Because of the middle east conflict, there have been a bunch of people caught out on their visas and overstaying because of flights being cancelled. The Thai govt has said that if your canceled flight was due to the middle east issues that overstay fines will not be applied. Also, looks like the airports are very busy with people trying to figure out new plans and routes. Are you there on the ground? Let us know what you are seeing...

Georgia just launched a new labour permit system for foreigners who work or do business in Georgia, with major compliance deadlines starting soon. What changed - A new Right to Work (Labour Permit) is now required for most foreign nationals who do not have permanent residency Who is NOT covered - Permanent residence permit holders, investment residence permit holders, diplomats and certain international org staff, refugees and asylum categories, accredited foreign media journalists, and cases covered by treaties. The new baseline rule To legally work or run a business locally in Georgia, most foreigners will need: 1. Right to Work (Labour Permit), and 2. D1 visa or a residence permit (work, IT, etc.) Key dates - Law effective March 1, 2026 - Enforcement mechanisms begin May 1, 2026 Labour Permit basics - Self employed permits are tied to a specific field or speciality - Employee permits are tied to a specific employer and position - Government can apply labour market criteria and quotas Fees and timelines - Standard processing (up to 30 calendar days): 200 GEL - Expedited (10 business days): 400 GEL - Renewal (up to 30 calendar days): 200 GEL - You must be in Georgia legally to apply (no overstay or illegal entry) Visa and residency deadlines after approval - If you are outside Georgia: apply for D1 visa within 30 days - If you are in Georgia: apply for work or IT residence permit within 10 days - Not required if you already have a residence permit, or if your activity is fully remote and you do not need to enter Georgia Self employed path - Apply yourself via the Labour Migration portal - Expect to submit: business ID, experience and qualifications, activity description, and either: - Includes a required video call verification Hiring foreigners, what employers must do - Post the vacancy in the Labour Market portal first - Wait up to 10 business days for the agency to propose a local candidate - If a candidate is proposed, employer must accept or justify rejection within strict timelines - Employment agreement must be fixed term and bilingual, with employee consent via qualified e signature or stamp

Zanzibar is reportedly moving forward with plans for “Dunia Cyber City,” a proposed digital free zone aimed at attracting remote workers and tech startups. Reports say the zone would include preferential tax rates for qualifying residents, a long business tax holiday, and rules designed to be crypto friendly. It is still early, and the most important next step is seeing the official Zanzibar government notices and implementing regulations that confirm the final terms. Would you consider moving to Zanzibar on a program like this ?

What type of lifestyle do you like for most of the year in your main residence? Beach, sun, surf and heat. or Mountains, cold and skiing or big city life with lots of social and city activities?