#boosting consulation

[boostdigitalexpert]

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[yanderecookierunkingdom]

Hi :) I just wanted to know if you are still doing Fanfics for the Cookie run kingdom characters? If you aren’t please delete this! If you are…May you write About clotted cream cookie with a VERY flirty s/o? Also remember to take care of yourself!

-Mirror Anon (by the way this is my first time requesting so I don’t know if it works this way!)

Mi Vida

Clotted Cream Cookie swore that you would be the death of him.

The way you always wrap your arms around his waist, pulling him flush against your back. Purring those lovely words into his ear, getting him all flustered.

He was just glad that you never did it in front of the Council. Or, Light forbid, his father.

Now was one of those times where you had snuck into his office to lean against his chair. "My love, my light, my dearest of them all."

Clotted Cream Cookie's face was already turning red. "Is there something you need?"

"You." You grinned, moving so your head could rest on his shoulder. "My handsome Consul, the backbone of our Republic."

"Dear.."

You kiss his cheek with a smile. "The most handsome Cookie in all of the world."

Clotted Cream Cookie would probably never admit it aloud, but.. your flirting always did give him a bit of a confidence boost.

[clandestineivory]

Can you write some hcs of Affogato Cookie x Clotted Cream Cookie?

Ofc honey (I’m so tired and I need this boost of creativity and confidence)

AffoClotted hcs

Summary: After making a secret alliance with the Créme Republic’s very own Consul, he now stays within Clotted Cream Cookie’s mansion. The two get a bit closer then expected. Hell, Affogato Cookie thought that this would give him an advantage to have a personal relationship with the Consul…but then he got attached as well and shit took a turn.

TW: Why is all of this just bickering, these idiots need to get a room and make out, too much tension for their own good, swearing, failed manipulation because Affogato is actually pathetic now, Clotted Cream gets internalized homophobia and hates it, Dark Cacao tries to abuse both (and fails)

Also personal hc that Affogato is pansexual and transmasc, and Clotted Cream is bi but fails to hide it

Whores istg /j (This was the thing I use to start all my drafts)

—

So, after Clotted Cream finds a completely vulnerable and pathetic ex-royal advisor, he knew that one, Affogato could be using this little alliance as a way to regain power, or two, he was actually really interested in living with the Consul and actually having a house again. Yeah, Clotted Cream realized that it was both.

During the meeting when Clotted Cream was first introduced to the Ancients, Affogato was with him, yet…preferred to stay on the airship for a bit longer. He actually had to be pried off of it by Financier because he was still genuinely nervous about seeing Dark Cacao and getting even more of a punishment because he showed his face to the King.

Luckily, when Dark Cacao saw Affogato, the oh-so heroic Consul shielded Affogato (begrudgingly, but he couldn’t show that) from any threats that the King of the Black Citadel wanted to enact on the ex-advisor. And don’t worry, Clotted Cream also defended Affogato’s sorry ass! Y’know the drill, saying that he was “reformed” and trying to become better under the eyes of the Divines! (Yeah, like Affogato believed in that dumb light stuff. Clotted Cream was also kinda coming up with stuff on the spot, but he managed to maintain that cool and composed demeanor for most of the time.)

I kinda forgot what else happened in the Cookie Odyssey so let’s actually get onto the silly ship part of it!

—

Clotted Cream practically begged Affogato to sleep in the guest room, but our dear little ex-advisor merely shook his head and had that bastard grin of his. So yeah, they were sharing a bed the entire time. Totally normal, I know. They were roommates after all… 😘

They bicker…a lot. Usually, Clotted is tryna settle the situation down, but as soon as Affogato says some kind of petty insult and has that TOTALLY charming rolled eyes, expect the ex-advisor to be picked up by Clotted Cream’s coat belts and practically thrown onto the guest bed. Awh, so sad… 😞 But don’t worry, because Affo sneaks back into the Consul’s room anyways and snuggles up to him. After all, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer~ (they HAVE to make out)

Clotted Cream is probably good at flirting (probably.) but when he’s around Affogato and the teasing cocky bitch whispers some kind of flirty joke, he can’t help but feel REALLY flustered, even though he tries his best not to show it, he’s really a nervous wreck.

The Consul gets a bunch of internalized homophobia, probably due to Elder Custard being a bitch and super toxic. Especially with the idea that an esteemed politician like him would be following all the rules and stuff about this kind of thing…

Affogato already saw the look on his face. Ah yes, that look of “Wait, is this right or am I just a fool?” kind of look. During one time when Clotted Cream had that look again while filling out paperwork on his desk, Affogato creeped up behind, took the Consul’s chin, and gently but teasingly pressed his lips against Clotted’s for a second, before smirking proudly.

“Well? Are you still getting those…frankly boring and negative thoughts, or are you too shocked by me?”

Clotted never said anything in that moment, his eyes wide and a deep blush appearing on his face. In that moment…well, I think he probably forgot, since it all happened so quick. But Affogato definitely remembered it. Of course he could recall the way the Consul pulled him closer, tugging on his hair and letting out a few breathy sighs as he did so.

…well, they certainly got a room, didn’t they?

[mariacallous]

Another way to support Ukraine

We know many of you are looking for tangible ways to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence. One powerful way to make your voice heard and show solidarity is by participating in pro-Ukrainian rallies, no matter where you are.

These gatherings around the world are important, because they send a message of unity to Ukrainians, demonstrating that they are not alone in this struggle. Rallies also do more than just boost the morale of Ukrainians — they keep Russia’s ongoing aggression in the public eye, ensuring that the human cost and the need for continued support remain a priority for international attention and policymakers.

Your presence at these events can collectively pressure governments and international organizations to take stronger action, from increased aid to the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.

How to find pro-Ukrainian rallies near you

Ukrainian rallies are often organized by local groups, and are not always widely publicized in a central location. The following tools can help you find upcoming rallies near you:

Ukrainian World Congress (UWC): The UWC regularly coordinates global actions and has information on events organized by their member organizations worldwide.

Ukraine Solidarity Campaign: Based in the UK, the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign often lists events in solidarity with Ukraine.

United Help Ukraine: UHU frequently posts information about rallies and events in the U.S. on their website.

You can also search for hashtags like #StandWithUkraine, #UkraineSolidarity, #RallyForUkraine on platforms like X (former Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. There you can find groups that are dedicated to supporting Ukraine in your region or city often organize or share information about local events.

Many cities have local Ukrainian cultural centers, churches, or community organizations. These groups are often at the forefront of organizing or promoting support rallies.

Finally, you can look for announcements from Ukrainian embassies and consulates in your country.

What to wear

Our Kyiv Independent merch store offers items rich in Ukrainian symbolism, allowing you to display your commitment while directly supporting independent Ukrainian journalism. Explore our collection and let your attire make a statement.

[beardedmrbean]

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban rulers have banned education and most jobs for Afghan women, who are also barred from parks, gyms, and bathhouses.

They are not supposed to leave their houses without a male guardian and live under draconian Taliban morality laws.

With such constraints, Afghan women are furious after photos and videos emerged of an American porn actor visiting their country.

While the Taliban has not acknowledged the visit, adult film star Whitney Wright posted photos of her visit to an Afghan tourist landmark on her Instagram account.

"It is fundamentally hypocritical," said Wazhma Tokhi, an Afghan women's rights and education activist.

"Afghan women are imprisoned in their own homeland, while foreign visitors -- no matter their background -- are treated with hospitality," she added.

In recent years, Wright has visited the predominantly Muslim nations of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

RFE/RL's Radio Azadi couldn't reach the Taliban or Wright for comment.

The U.S. State Department currently advises Americans to "not travel to Afghanistan for any reason" because "multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan and US citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking."

Wright would require a visa as a US citizen, although the Taliban's unrecognized government does not control the Afghan Embassy or consulates in the United States.

The Taliban has been keen on wooing foreign tourists to boost its international image and showcase the significant drop in violence in the country since it returned to power in August 2021.

Some Afghan women have said the Taliban is using female tourists to cultivate a positive image and highlight how safe the country is even for foreign women.

"This freedom is only for foreigners, not for Afghan women who are deprived of their most basic rights," Nasima Bidargar, an Afghan women's rights activist, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.

'Gender Apartheid' In Afghanistan

After returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban immediately banned teenage girls from school.It closed the doors of universities and other seats of higher learning to women in December 2022. The extremist group has also banned women from working for international NGOs and other sectors.

Even public parks exclusively reserved for women and restaurants and cafes owned or frequented by women have been shut down by the Taliban regime.

In August 2024, the Taliban enacted a new morality law specifically targeting women by requiring them to be accompanied by a male chaperone in public while covering their faces. It also banned women from singing or even raising their voices in public.

Senior United Nations officials and Afghan female activists have termed the Taliban's treatment of Afghan women as a "gender apartheid."

In January, the International Criminal Court requested arrest warrants for the Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, and the Taliban's Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani for bearing "criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of persecution on gender grounds."

Dressed in a black veil, Wright posted a video on Facebook of her walking in the snow near Band-e Amir. The famed crystal-blue lakes and soaring cliffs are one of the most popular national parks in Afghanistan's central province of Bamiyan. In August 2023, the Taliban banned Afghan women from the park.

"As an Afghan woman, this situation is harrowing for me," a female resident of Bamiyan told Radio Azadi.

[mikubilliards]

Ok so let me be very normal about something, I haven’t done that in a while. (Spoiler alert: I am not normal and should be locked away in a mental asylum).

So Colony Mu. Poor poor Colony Mu. But also super coolio Colony Mu. Literally my favorite group of side characters in any video game ever made bar none. Man they’re so good. Like, an idyllic summer camp lifestyle disrupted by an unending conflict that nobody wants to think about or fight but everyone has to. These kids, they’re not cut out for any of it. They don’t want to fight a war. They would rather do anything but that. But Irma. Irma. Irma. The consul I, a traitor to the colony, but so so complex. She forced them to fight. To die. To suffer. She had her reservations about it, but that was her duty as Moebius. But then, things change.

Fiona. None of her compatriots had the gall or the spirit to stand up to the consul. Even after they were beaten against the wall and the colony was reduced to barely present, their flame clock hidden away. But Fiona, a timid character herself, finally had enough. She told Irma off. And you know what. She brought up Irma’s reservations about that leadership just enough to intrigue her. Even as a consul, she actually genuinely respected Fiona. And instead of killing her, she decided to see how Fiona would handle leading the colony. But, you see, Irma was anonymous at the time. So instead of just remaining their overseer, she joined their ranks as a soldier. Fought and trained alongside the colony. And she saw the colony change, albeit slowly, towards something better. But that wasn’t her duty as Moebius. She kept them in a perpetual state of fighting for survival, not allowing them to grow, change, or do things that they would be better suited for. Again, the kids weren’t fighters, most were less than 5 terms old. So the cycle continued, Fiona’s confidence never growing due to the perpetual fighting and dying, but her leadership able to hold together the colony in a way the other leaders couldn’t.

And then Ouroboros arrives. They see that the colony has had some weird goings on, and there’s no consul to be found. The flame clock is also gone, which makes it even weirder. The tension here is just amazing. At the time, you as the player have no idea that Irma is the consul, and it takes them some time to deduce that someone among the ranks of the colony is lying about their identity. Eventually, the party figures out that it’s Irma, and have to break the news to Fiona. She’s startled so badly, since to her Irma has been a strong willed and brave lieutenant, able to command when she would not. She breaks down, unable to choose between her friend and her colony. After Irma reveals herself to be the consul, Ouroboros do what they do best. But it scars Fiona. Someone she trusted with so much, and who she thought of as a good friend, was perpetuating the very nature of the war that the colony had been fighting since the beginning. She’s lost without Irma, who gave her direction to put her energy into leadership. She doesn’t even tell her own colony that Irma was the traitor, she can’t do it.

And that’s exactly what the colony’s quest line is. Helping Fiona gain her confidence in a way that Irma could never have done. Not through fighting, but through bringing together her friends and comrades. Tallow, her new lieutenant, is another relatively strong willed individual compared to Fiona, but he’s constantly concerned with how much she shuts out her duties as a leader. And they all want to know what happened to Irma. But she’s scared. Scared that they’ll see her as weak, or not accept her for almost betraying the colony for Irma’s sake. She doesn’t think that she deserves to be a leader since she couldn’t make any decisions without Irma. After much convincing, and a lot of confidence boosting activities throughout the colony with the help of Ouroboros, Fiona finally comes clean after seeing Irma’s hideout and all of the things inside that recall the events described above from her perspective. The colony accepts her, regardless of what she did or what she was. She was first and foremost their leader. She helped so many of them stand up to their own challenges, and now they repay her by helping her stand up to hers. And, she’s able to comfort her colony and take charge. She’s grown. She needed some help from her friends for sure, but she did it. That potential that Irma saw in her when she rejected the way they were treated. It was finally able to blossom. And watching that happen…ooooh there’s nothing better. And post-ascension quest, we get to see just how much she’s grown. She puts on a whole training exercise to test the colony’s defenses, she parlays with Triton (who’s a character in of himself), and she helps to set up multiple farms for her friends to tend to. Not a typical summer camp at the beach; but this isn’t a typical world. Fiona finds herself, and with her the rest of the colony finds their own path forward after being freed from the flame clock.

And I suppose it’s time I talk about the other members of the colony as well. I won’t go into detail about all of them cause then I’d be here forever, but as a group, they are just amazing. They’re the rejects, the people who were shunned from most of the other colonies cause they weren’t good enough. But that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable. They prove that throughout the quest line. Just because they weren’t cut out for combat doesn’t mean they don’t have a purpose, and many of them are some of the nicest people in the entire world (speaking of nice people I am definitely gonna do a Miyabi post like this at some point but I’m already insane enough for now). They have that summer camp when you were 12 vibe, but the idealized version of it. Singing songs around a campfire; cooking up delicious food for the colony, going boating and fishing, all while on a beautiful beach. But, they’re all one big support structure. All helping to make sure that no one is left out or behind. No doubt this had some influence from Fiona, who is very gentle and caring, but nonetheless the whole colony is always there for each other. And special shout out to Nico (that is, her!) the random npc with a silly quirk that makes you remember them long after you completed the game. It was always silly to see her talking.

So yeah, Colony Mu. Amazing storytelling. Amazing antagonist. Amazing leader (in gameplay too, gotta love all her buffs and chain attack effect). Amazing location. Amazing everything. My mind was absolutely blown wide open when I found Irma’s cave in Fiona’ ascension quest. Made everything so much more interesting to hear about how she was so conflicted over her duties to Moebius and her friendship with Fiona. Every time I think about it I just like them more. I guess it’s like what the funny birb man Luxin said, the game just gets better the more thought you put into it.

I’m so normal man you wouldn’t believe it. Maybe i should do commentary vids…hahah no I’m too anxious for that!

[phuketattorney]

Thailand Privilege Visa

The Thailand Privilege Visa, widely known as the Thailand Elite Visa, is a long-term residency program designed to attract affluent individuals and families. Operated by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the visa combines flexible residency options with exclusive lifestyle benefits. Its multi-tiered offerings cater to retirees, investors, businesspeople, and frequent travelers.

1. Key Features and Benefits

Residency Duration:

Options range from 5 to 20 years, depending on the selected membership package.

Visa holders are exempt from annual visa renewals.

Travel Convenience:

Unlimited multi-entry privileges and expedited immigration clearance.

Exclusive airport services, including fast-track lanes and access to VIP lounges.

Lifestyle Perks:

Complimentary golf, spa treatments, and annual health check-ups at top facilities.

Discounts at luxury hotels, restaurants, and partner establishments.

Family Inclusion:

Specific packages allow family members to share the privileges for reduced fees.

2. Membership Packages

2.1 Elite Easy Access

Duration: 5 years.

Cost: 600,000 THB.

Ideal For: Individuals seeking medium-term residency.

2.2 Elite Family Excursion

Duration: 5 years for two family members.

Cost: 800,000 THB; additional members pay 300,000 THB each.

2.3 Elite Privilege Access

Duration: 10 years.

Cost: 1 million THB.

2.4 Elite Superiority Extension

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 1 million THB.

2.5 Elite Ultimate Privilege

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 2.14 million THB.

Additional Perks: Enhanced concierge services and increased healthcare benefits.

3. Application Process

Eligibility:

Open to individuals of all nationalities with no criminal record.

Applicants must demonstrate financial capability to cover the membership fee.

Steps to Apply:

Submit an online application along with required documents (passport, photographs, etc.).

Pay the membership fee upon approval.

Collect the visa at a Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office.

Processing Time:

Applications are typically processed within 1–2 months.

4. Legal Considerations

Work Restrictions:

The visa does not include a work permit; separate authorization is required for employment.

No Path to Citizenship:

The Thailand Privilege Visa does not lead to permanent residency or Thai citizenship.

Tax Residency:

Tax obligations depend on the number of days spent in Thailand. Holders staying for more than 180 days in a calendar year are considered tax residents.

5. Contribution to the Thai Economy

Tourism and Real Estate:

Visa holders often invest in high-end real estate and contribute to luxury tourism sectors.

Economic Stability:

The program attracts high-net-worth individuals, boosting domestic revenue streams.

Long-Term Development:

Supports Thailand’s strategic goals of attracting foreign investment and skilled individuals.

Conclusion

The Thailand Privilege Visa offers unparalleled access to long-term residency and exclusive services, making it an ideal choice for retirees, frequent travelers, and investors. With its flexible packages and comprehensive benefits, the program supports a luxurious and hassle-free experience in Thailand. While the visa is financially demanding, its convenience and privileges make it a worthwhile investment for eligible individuals.

[attorneyssphuket]

Thai Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa, officially managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, is a government-backed program that offers long-term residency options combined with exclusive services and benefits. The program is ideal for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, frequent travelers, and investors who seek an extended stay in Thailand with premium perks. It combines immigration convenience with lifestyle advantages.

1. Key Features and Benefits

Residency Options:

Validity ranges from 5 to 20 years, depending on the package.

Immigration Convenience:

Multi-entry privileges with no re-entry permits required.

Simplified annual reporting instead of standard 90-day reporting.

Airport Services:

VIP fast-track immigration lanes and personal assistance at Thailand’s international airports.

Lifestyle Privileges:

Access to exclusive golf courses, spa facilities, and medical check-ups.

Family Benefits:

Certain packages allow inclusion of family members, making it a suitable option for families seeking long-term stays.

2. Available Packages

2.1 Elite Easy Access

Duration: 5 years.

Cost: 600,000 THB.

Target Group: Frequent visitors or individuals exploring medium-term residency options.

2.2 Elite Family Excursion

Duration: 5 years (two family members).

Cost: 800,000 THB; additional family members pay 300,000 THB each.

Ideal For: Families planning extended stays.

2.3 Elite Privilege Access

Duration: 10 years.

Cost: 1 million THB; additional family members pay 800,000 THB each.

Suitable For: Long-term residency seekers who value premium services.

2.4 Elite Superiority Extension

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 1 million THB.

Focus: Affordable extended residency without frequent renewals.

2.5 Elite Ultimate Privilege

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 2.14 million THB.

Exclusive Features: Personalized concierge services, increased perks, and premium medical benefits.

3. Application Process

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to individuals of all nationalities.

Applicants must have no criminal record and meet financial capability requirements.

Steps to Apply:

Submit the application online with necessary documents (passport copies, photographs, and personal details).

Pay the program fee upon approval.

Collect the visa from a Thai consulate, embassy, or immigration office.

Processing Timeline:

Typically, applications are processed within 1–2 months.

4. Limitations

Work Restrictions:

While the visa permits long-term stays, holders require a separate work permit to engage in employment.

No Path to Citizenship:

The visa does not provide a direct route to Thai citizenship or permanent residency.

High Initial Costs:

The upfront membership fees may be prohibitive for some applicants.

5. Tax Implications

Tax Residency:

Holding an Elite Visa does not automatically confer tax residency. To qualify, individuals must spend at least 180 days annually in Thailand.

Tax Obligations:

Income earned within Thailand is subject to taxation under Thai law. International income may also be taxable if remitted to Thailand.

6. Benefits to Thailand’s Economy

Attracting Affluent Individuals:

Encourages long-term investment and spending in Thailand.

Boost to Tourism and Services:

Visa holders contribute significantly to the luxury tourism, healthcare, and real estate sectors.

Strategic Positioning:

Reinforces Thailand’s image as a premier destination for expatriates and high-net-worth individuals.

Conclusion

The Thailand Elite Visa is a unique program that combines long-term residency with exclusive lifestyle benefits, making it an attractive choice for retirees, investors, and frequent travelers. While the program is financially demanding, its benefits—such as seamless immigration procedures, access to premium services, and long-term flexibility—make it a compelling option for those seeking stability in Thailand. Engaging experienced professionals for the application process ensures compliance with all requirements and maximizes the program's advantages.

[udonlawyers]

Thailand Privilege Visa

The Thailand Privilege Visa, commonly known as the Thailand Elite Visa, is a long-term residency program designed for affluent individuals seeking an extended stay in Thailand with exclusive benefits. Managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, this program is part of the government’s initiative to attract high-net-worth individuals and boost tourism and investment.

1. Purpose and Target Audience

1.1 Objectives

To promote Thailand as a desirable destination for living and business.

To attract affluent foreign nationals and encourage investment in tourism, real estate, and other sectors.

1.2 Target Audience

High-net-worth individuals.

Retirees seeking long-term residency.

Frequent travelers who value premium services.

Businesspeople managing regional operations.

2. Membership Packages

The Thailand Privilege Visa offers several membership options tailored to different needs:

2.1 Elite Easy Access

Duration: 5 years.

Cost: 600,000 THB.

Best For: Individuals seeking flexibility for frequent visits.

2.2 Elite Family Excursion

Duration: 5 years for two family members.

Cost: 800,000 THB.

Additional Family Member Fee: 300,000 THB.

Best For: Families traveling together.

2.3 Elite Superiority Extension

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 1 million THB.

Best For: Long-term residents seeking stability.

2.4 Elite Privilege Access

Duration: 10 years.

Cost: 1 million THB.

Additional Family Member Fee: 800,000 THB.

Best For: Individuals or families requiring medium-term flexibility.

2.5 Elite Ultimate Privilege

Duration: 20 years.

Cost: 2.14 million THB.

Best For: High-net-worth individuals desiring the highest level of privileges.

3. Benefits of the Thailand Privilege Visa

Extended Stay Options:

Stay for up to 20 years without visa renewals.

Multiple entries allowed, with each entry permitting a 1-year stay.

Airport Services:

VIP fast-track immigration and security clearance.

Access to luxury airport lounges.

Government Liaison Services:

Assistance with 90-day reporting, visa renewals, and driving licenses.

Healthcare and Lifestyle Benefits:

Discounts at top hospitals, golf courses, spas, and hotels.

Family Inclusion:

Options for family members to be included at reduced rates in certain packages.

4. Application Process

4.1 Eligibility Requirements

No age restrictions, but applicants must have no criminal record and meet financial thresholds.

4.2 Steps to Apply

Membership Application:

Submit an application with a valid passport and personal information.

Approval and Payment:

Once approved, pay the membership fee to the Thailand Privilege Card Company.

Visa Issuance:

Obtain the visa at a Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office.

5. Limitations and Considerations

Non-Work Visa:

The Elite Visa does not permit employment without an additional work permit.

Cost-Effectiveness:

High upfront costs may not suit all applicants, especially those with shorter-term plans.

No Permanent Residency Path:

The Thailand Privilege Visa does not lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship.

6. Practical Applications

For Retirees:

Offers a hassle-free long-term residency option with healthcare discounts.

For Frequent Travelers:

Simplifies immigration processes for business or leisure trips.

For Investors:

Provides long-term stability while managing investments in Thailand.

Conclusion

The Thailand Privilege Visa program is an innovative solution for affluent individuals and families seeking a premium residency experience. While the program offers unparalleled convenience and benefits, applicants must carefully consider their long-term plans and financial capacity to maximize its advantages. Engaging with authorized consultants or legal professionals ensures a smooth application process and clarity on the program’s terms.

[stackslip]

The European Union is set to generate millions of euros more from the high rejection rates of visa applications by African visitors with a new increase in non-refundable fees.

Citizens of the 26 member states within Europe’s Schengen area have unhindered borderless access within the area, while most travelers from elsewhere require visas. A 12.5% price hike that takes effect on June 11 increases the cost of a short-term (90 days) visa application to €90.

But while the price hike applies equally to all non-EU residents who require a Schengen visa, it raises the prospect of the bloc making disproportionately more money from its rejection rates for applicants from Africa, analysts say.

Of the €130 million the EU earned in 2023 from rejected visa applications, about 42% of that was from applicants living in Africa, even though the continent accounts for 24% of Schengen visa applications, according to London-based research firm LAGO Collective. Prospective visitors who apply from Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria receive rejection rates of between 40% and 50%, LAGO estimated, based on data from the European Commission’s migration and home affairs office.

“We found a relationship between the GDP of countries and rejection rates for short-term visas,” Marta Foresti, LAGO’s founder, told Semafor Africa. A similar rejection trend in 2024 with the new price would deepen long-standing inequality of outcomes between consumers paying for the same service from high and low-income countries, Foresti said.

While these encourage dangerous attempts to reach Europe across seas and deserts, most African migration is via “regular channels,” the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington DC notes.

Yet Africans applying to visit Europe for short-term stays, such as business engagements or conferences, continue to face a stumbling block.

Average rejection rates for African applicants are generally 10 percentage points higher than the global average, Mehari Taddele Maru, a researcher at the EU-owned European University Institute in Italy, found. Seven of the top ten countries with the highest rejection rates for Schengen visa applications in 2022 were in Africa.

The EU’s more expensive visa and its potentially disproportionate impact on Africans comes as the bloc takes a tougher stance on migration.

New rules approved by the EU Commission in April impose a higher standard for screening non-EU nationals at borders, including the collection of biometric data, and health and security checks. Border fences set up by member states within the Schengen area have become longer in the last decade, stretching from 315 km to 2,048 km as of 2022.

Higher visa prices could be another type of fence, which when combined with high rejection rates, will continue to enrich European consulates at the expense of residents of low income countries who nevertheless have legitimate reasons to be in Europe.

Africa’s high rejection rate is sometimes explained as a consequence of visitors overstaying their visas. But “there is no evidence to suggest that a higher rejection rate leads to a decrease in irregular migration or visa overstays,” Maru argues. In essence, an unexplained bias against Africans is at play.

The costs of rejection to African entrepreneurs, career professionals, artists and other seekers of the EU’s short-term visa calls for a reform of the approval process, Foresti told me. Consulates with high unequal outcomes should review their decision-making to ensure “systematic discrimination” against some countries isn’t an underlying cause.

And should some EU members enforce high rejection for short-term visas to dissuade overstays by residents of particular African countries, more paths to legal migration should be considered, she argued.

[xordartonline]

Moebius, Inc. Episode 1: Pilot

Within the confines of Origin, a select group of humans spared from the horrors of war, but still bound to the cycle attend to Consuls’ every need. To boost their morale (and because the Consuls find it amusing), the Consuls refer to these servants as “interns” and float the prospect of promotion over their heads. This, of course, practically never happens; the servants reach the end of their natural lifespans and are recycled, forever indentured to their Moebius managers. In the history of Aionios, only one intern has been promoted to Consul. This is his story.

[catominor]

So maybe this would be self explanatory if i knew more abt the late roman republic, but what are l. furius' and martinus' respective motivations for wanting the consulship? Love learning more abt your lil guys:))

i think for both of them, really, it's about their legacy; just in slightly different ways. for lfc, his family hasn't achieved any important political offices in a long time, which meant their reputation was in decline; he wants to restore the importance of his family and be remembered. and it was important for roman aristocrats to achieve political offices in order to not be considered failures, essentially. for martinus, i think it's kind of self-aggrandizement tbh... but it would also be a huge status boost to his family, for his sons and such to have an ancestor who was a consul.

[eccentric-nucleus]

sorry i'm still posting about progression fantasies

anyway one story i've been reading and actually enjoying is super supportive.

this got long so i'm putting it behind a readmore.

the setup: it's 2040. aliens contacted humans in the 1960s and were like "hey we'll give you superpowers and magic technology and access to our multiworld government. all you have to do is sign this contract. its fine. just, all the superpowered people are our property and we can summon them up as servants whenever we want to do whatever we want. you'll be obligated to provide some humans to do this. we'll pick who gets superpowers and no they cannot refuse. its fine." one other alien is like "it would be more easier if i explained (the my boss, the alien) that your friend was your pet or your property b/c 'friends' isn't really a reasonable category for them."

the degree to which the aliens are, you know, clearly and obviously taking advantage of humans cannot be understated in the initial chapters. there are supervillains too, and the aliens are just like, yeah we don't care if they murder some humans it's fine. there's a lot of intentionally-jarring narration about characters with skills going between "powerful superhero" and "forcibly-conscripted alien valet" depending on whether they're talking about their image vs. what they actually do. plenty of heroes get summoned out into the universe and are then never heard from again. the secretary at the alien consulate the main character goes to is a prisoner/slave who is under a geas so strong that he can't express food preferences. there's a short little aside about how "stat boosts" to your "appeal" stat also involve mental manipulation to make you more personable and agreeable, and yes yes technically forced mental manipulation usually isn't allowed according to the alien contract but by selecting points in appeal you implicitly consent to it! and yes you could technically say, every time you want to (or are forced by class requirements to) put points in appeal that you don't want any of the mental stuff but really that's just being stubborn and digging your heels in and people won't like that. etc.

it kinda reminded me of uhhh becoming alien in that it is about a human going "wow cool scifi adventure!" and then slowly realizing that the political & bureaucratic structures in play basically make it a meat grinder for idealists. that's fun.

anyway so it's a little jarring when we get introduced to some of the high-powered alien paladin-wizards and they're all perfectly noble and self-sacrificing. or, there's (to me) a very noticeable point in the story where it shifts from Initial Premise mode into This Is A Long-Running Serial mode, and it kinda jettisons some of the existing tensions so it can introduce new concepts. story elements that were introduced early on and connected to hazy, unclear corners of the worldbuilding get resolved in a way that sidelines them (like e.g., alden's gremlin stops being so much a thing with a story connection and a mystery around it to mostly just being a power he has. "hey why does this make me better at wordchains?" gorgon: "weird it's more fragmentary than i thought; it isn't supposed to do that; well, w/e")

i mean yes it is in-progress and it's clearly setting up for the eventual fallout of alden's whole pseudo-knight thing getting revealed (probably like another 100 chapters on), but i would be shocked if any of the actual knights objected to it in a meaningful sense + we have not actually seen any of the exploitative aliens we were promised with the introduction. like, ro-dan maybe. i'm sure artonian politics is gonna come up eventually but as it is currently a whole hunk of that was jettisoned w/ one conversation that's like "well okay maybe we do have this extremely exploitative contract system for all our resource worlds and maybe you are all effectively slave labor who can be compelled by the contract to do whatever we want but actually it's just messy political design-by-committee so it's not like they're all evil or anything. no further questions."

so like i'm sure there will eventually be a "let's talk about artonian politics" arc, probably around whenever alden's whole secret gets blown up, but the nature of serial fiction means that we're gonna be hearing about his time in superhero school for quite a while.

(long-running progression fantasy serials have these two moves that show up again and again. the "let's do a dungeon-crawl" arc and the "let's go to magic school arc". just like, these enormous filler arcs that don't really do much aside from consume the word quota for a while. i mean, super supportive's superhero school section is fine; it's more engaging than most. given the initial concept of the story it's both inevitable and also a natural part of the whole narrative; it's not shoehorned in. i'm just saying, it's an extremely common narrative chunk to throw into all sorts of progression fantasy stuff for no reason. it was very funny when i went to look up what books 3 and 4 of sporemageddon/spores and sorcery were, and the answer was: all of book 3 is a dungeon crawl arc where the only important or interesting thing happens at the very end; all of book 4 is a magic school arc where the only important or interesting thing... actually i don't think anything really happens the entire book. the mc assassinates some people b/c that was the entire point of going to magic school and then they leave and it's like oh okay this could've been a one-paragraph summary of doing a job for the union. anyway this is a tangent.)

anyway i think super supportive is already like 500k words or something so maybe by the time it hits a million words i will have been exhausted by the premise and be done with it. but maybe not!! it's been okay so far!!

[imasallstars]

sSSR【No One Gets Left Behind】

availability: 　[SEP'24] STORY: The Idols of Class 1-2 　until 2024/09/22 10:59 JST Support Type: VOCAL

SUPPORT EVENT

[PRODUCE CARD: Everyone's Textbook] [5 COST] 　[VOCAL only] At the START of a turn where your STAMINA is 50% of BELOW, recover 4 STAMINA (up to 1 time)

[SUPPORT EVENT] ※LEVEL 20 　VOCAL +20

[It All Started With Misuzu] ※LEVEL 40 　UPGRADE a random skill card

SUPPORT ABILITY

Increase INITIAL VOCAL

Increase VOCAL SP LESSON CHANCE

Increase LESSON SUPPORT CHANCE ※LEVEL 2

Recover 5 STAMINA after a VOCAL SP LESSON ※LEVEL 5

Increase VOCAL after CONSULATION ※LEVEL 10

Increase EVENT PARAMETER BOOST ※LEVEL 25

[nestaboardimmigration]

Easy Study Visa Process for Europe with Spouse

Planning to pursue education in Europe and bring your partner along? A Study Visa Europe with Spouse can truly change lives. With world-class education and the company of loved ones, Europe offers a future filled with opportunities. Let’s dive into why this visa matters, what’s new, and how Nestabroad makes it smooth and stress-free.

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A Study Visa Europe with Spouse allows international students to bring their spouses to live with them while studying. In many European countries, this also opens work or study rights for the spouse. It’s about emotional support, financial backup, and smoother adaptation—all while pursuing your academic goals. Why It’s Important: Benefits You’ll Feel Immediately

Together, Even Abroad Living away from home is an adventure—but going it alone can be tough. A Study Visa Europe with Spouse means you don’t have to compromise on personal support during this big life change.

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Admission letter from a European university

Proof of funds for both partners

Marriage certificate or registered partnership

Language credentials (English or local language)

Health insurance

Requirements vary by country. For example, Germany allows spouses to work if they show financial stability, while Denmark and Sweden permit spouses to work under dependent visas 

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University Application Get your acceptance letter from a recognized European institution.

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Going through a Study Visa Europe with Spouse process is exciting—but there are many details. Nestabroad brings clarity and personal support:

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Quick Recap: 5 Times that Matter

A Study Visa Europe with Spouse lets both partners study, live, and work together in Europe.

It’s emotionally supportive, financially practical, and strengthens family bonds.

Recent developments—like mobility pacts and post-Brexit reforms—make it easier than ever.

You’ll need university acceptance, financial proof, health insurance, and marriage certification.

Nestabroad guides you step-by-step, making your journey seamless and successful.

Final Thoughts

A Study Visa Europe with Spouse isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a pathway to shared adventure, stability, and both professional and personal growth. Europe’s high-quality education and welcoming atmosphere are ideal. With Nestabroad by your side, you and your spouse can confidently take this step forward, knowing expert help is available every step of the way.

Start your journey with Nestabroad today—secure that Study Visa Europe with Spouse and begin a future full of promise together.

Read More - 

[thevisamonsters00001]

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