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berylcups · 8 months ago

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Yandere Files: Ghiaccio X Foreign Reader

CW: stalking, imprisonment, death (mentioned), jealousy, hostess clubs, masturbation, phone sex(is it if it’s one sided?),immigration, outercourse, mild toxicity

Notes: just a disclaimer- I have no idea how immigration works in Italy or how it works across other countries but I thought it would be a good point of conflict for Ghia to act up to. Also- Ghiaccio was a tough nut to crack. (No pun intended 👀) He’s not very sexually motivated as a character he seems so I had to really try hard with this one! I hope it’s not too OOC and you ice fuckers like it though~🩵Beryl

Minors DNI

Y/N has been living in Napoli Italy for about 4 and a half years now. It’s tough living on their own but it’s worth it. They’re in college for design and work a job that they love. They work in a nice cafe as a hostess and it pays ridiculously well! The only catch is… there’s a lot of mafia activity. Y/N hears and sees things they aren’t supposed to- but that’s okay because they look the other way.

Now this was a special kind of cafe. It took heavy inspiration from the east for its heavily…attentive service. Hostesses would be pouring wine for their guests, lighting their cigarettes/cigars, sitting with them, conversing, laughing at their jokes, stroking their ego, and even joining them on drinks - non alcoholic of course! We can’t have the staff getting tipsy on the job!

Melone being the creep that he is, surveyed this place out for good mothers for BabyFace. But he also really likes the atmosphere so he got his other teammates to go along. Even Sorbet and Gelato! The two had no interest in the women but they enjoyed being pampered by them. But Ghiaccio… he didn’t really like it. Why would he want some host/hostess to be bugging him every 5 minutes??? He doesn’t get it! That’s until he met Y/N of course.

Aesthetics didn’t mean much to the man but he thought they were very gorgeous- it didn’t matter how tall or small, thick or thin, light or dark they were. He was enamored by their open mindedness and that they were willing to just actively listen to him. They gave their full attention to this man, and gave out intelligent thought out answers-to the best of their language capabilities.

“Oh uh sorry… what was the correct name for that pasta again? Shit. I can’t remember! It looks like little corkscrews. Like the part of the wine bottle opener you use to screw into the cork .” Y/N struggled trying to find the name.

“I believe the one you’re looking for is fusilli.” He replied, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Yes! That’s the one! Thank you Ghiaccio. Well I had the fusilli alla checca the other day and I was surprised. I really liked it despite me not liking cheese very much. I’m glad I listened to you.” They said cheerfully.

He couldn’t help but smirk from having his ego stroked like that. Of course he’s right! He knows everything about Italy and its wonderful culture.

“Sigh… I’m really gonna miss it here.” They said looking down at their coffee with a sad smile.

Ghiaccio nearly spits out his coffee. “What?!” He yelled. “ I mean- what do you mean by that?” He lowered his voice trying not to cause a scene.

“Well as you know I’m graduating from _____ University in a few weeks… and my Visa is almost up. I only have about 3 months left before I have to go back home to _______.” They said gloomily. “I really don’t want to leave because I love it here so much.”

“Go apply for a permanent residency! They should take you in since you've been here almost 5 years.” He replied.

“I wish I could…but my mom is waiting for me at home and I’m all she has. And the wait time for the documents will take longer than I am allowed here legally.” They signed sadly. “Well… let’s not let this ruin our time together! We still have 3 months. Let’s make the best of it right Ghia?” They chirped trying to bring the mood back up.

He wanted to shake them by their shoulders and tell them that’s not good enough and they can’t just leave him but he can’t just have an outburst. It will scare them away! He has to think of a plan to keep Y/N here with him. PERMANENTLY.

“Yeah, you’re right Y/N. Let’s just enjoy the time we have left.” He said, faking a small smile.

He was seething inside. How DARE they try to leave him. Of ALL PEOPLE it had to be Y/N to turn their back on him?! Not on his watch! He was going to use his resources and connections to make sure that Y/N doesn’t leave the country of Italy ever.

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Now that he’s smitten with you, some of your regulars stopped showing up. You wonder why? It’s starting to worry you a little bit financially. You have to make sure that you have enough money for the trip home!

“I wonder why people are showing up less and less… am I not doing good enough?” You asked dejectedly.

“No of course not! Their wives/husbands probably found out that they were hanging out here and probably put them on a tight leash.” Ghiaccio lied.

Anytime he’d see one of the patrons get a little too flirty or handys with you he’d corner them in the back alley and beat them with an inch of their lives. Or worse, do what he does best-freeze them till they shatter like glass.

While you’re still here he follows you everywhere and you are too distracted by everyday life to notice it. Oh! He just happens to be near your university! How about a ride home in his nice car? It beats taking public transport. Or when you happen to run into him at the grocery store? How about he gives you a quick ride back home so you don’t have to carry all those heavy groceries home? He’s so thoughtful!

When he’s home alone , or on a mission he’s always thinking of you . He’s sexually frustrated because when he furiously masturbates his hand isn’t enough anymore . He wants to feel your hand around his cock instead or better yet your warm hole.

He calls you often at odd hours of the night just to check in with you. You two have long deep discussions about random things like how English is just ridiculous, or learning about your culture and food, your hobbies, his hobbies, just about everything! In person he’s usually the one talking but on the phone you’re the one who’s doing most of the talking. When he talks he sounds winded, strained? Like there’s repetitive smacking sounds going on in the background. He says he’s just “multitasking “ but with what?

He knows you love your job-he gets it. But… he can’t stand the idea of another pair of eager balls or a thirsty pussy near you. He doesn’t wanna take your joy away but he doesn’t want to live in a constant state of anxiety! You're his! So he’s a straight forward man, so he’s gonna confess his feelings to you when he’s certain that he has a chance. You clearly pay more attention to him, your eyes light up when he comes in through those doors. You eagerly sit in his lap and listen to his usual complaints of the day.

“Aww I’m so sorry that happened. What a douche! He should have known better, you were right to stand up for yourself. You have a reputation to uphold. Is there anything I can do to make it better for you?” You cooed.

“Just having you around is enough to turn my day around.” He said, softening his tone.

“Aww~ Ghia! You’re too sweet. You’re the one I’m gonna miss the most.” You sighed. “Hey… I’m not really supposed to ask this because this could jeopardize my job but…do you wanna go out sometime?” You whispered. “I really really like you and I’ll regret not telling you how I feel before I have to go home… if you’re okay with long distance relationships that is- I understand if you don’t it’s not that easy and I promise I’ll visit as much as pos-“

He put a finger up to your lips to stop your nervous rambling “ of course Y/N. I was honestly going to ask you myself.”he confessed. “As far as long distance goes, we’ll make it work.” He lied, he had his plans in order to make sure you’ll never leave.

He agreed to a long distance relationship because that’s not what he had planned at all. He already got a hold of your passport and other legal documents when you were outside of your home at university. He made sure they were absolutely destroyed. He has Melone currently making him a perfect fake permanent residency card for you. Now you’re NOT going ANYWHERE.

On the days that you’re free he takes you to historic places close by and acts like a more in depth tour guide to you. He hopes this will make you want to stay even more and it’s working. He’ll show you all the best restaurants- not that touristy shit or the Michelin star nonsense. Just real authentic Italian cuisine!

He likes to drive the scenic routes and show you all the lesser known beaches, forests, parks, vineyards, etc. The lesser known the better, so he has the privacy he needs to mercilessly fuck you into the back of his car. He apologized for your first time with him being on top of the back of an uncomfortable car but he just couldn’t help himself. You looked so good with the nice outfit you were wearing!

He’s very athletic so likes to pick you up against the wall as he’s fucking you. He’s all about hard and fast. He’s gonna want to bite at your neck and leave tons of bite marks and hickies all over your body. He wants everyone to know that you’re taken and not available for anything outside your job. He doesn’t cum just once he goes at around 4-5 times with a very insane fast refractory period.

He’s not big on foreplay but he has a fixation outercourse. Watching his cock slip through your folds/ass drives him feral. But he’s not selfish, whatever you want he’ll give to you- within reason. He loves you but he’s very impatient!

He has an obsession with boobs. 👀 big boobs, small boobs, no boobs , pecs… all boobs are good boobs to this tit lover. He likes to use his cold hands and watch the nipples harden and hear you whine that he’s too cold 🥶 it never fails to get a chuckle out of him to hear you whine for him to stop making you so cold!

When it’s nearly time to go home he plays along and helps you pack up all of what you plan to bring back to your home country. Since you’re only packing sentimental items and necessities, there’s not too many bags. Thankfully they all fit in his trunk.

You crash at his house the night before you leave. Only one teeny tiny problem… you missed your goddamn flight!

“You missed your flight and you lost your passport? You know what this means right Y/N? You’re stuck here in the country .” Ghiaccio said very calmly for a tense situation like this.

“ I’m an illegal now! What will I do???” You cried with tears staining your cheeks.

“ I already took care of the problem myself.” He said calmly. He pulls out a fake permanent residency card. It was as realistic as the real thing. Only thing is your last name is the same as his.

You can’t just stay! You needed to go home! This is wrong! You wanted to argue, but there was just something ominous about his demeanor.

“I love you too much Y/N. I can’t let you leave.” He said eerily calm, taking a step closer to you. Was it the anxiety or did the temperature of the room just drop.

“But… you know I can’t stay. I have to go home.” You whimpered.

He took a firm grip on your shoulders and made intense eye contact.

“Oh Y/N… perhaps you're not really understanding the situation. Allow me to say this in a language you understand: You’re not leaving me or the country..”he spoke in your mother tongue and he did it perfectly.

You can tell he’s mad, and you don’t want him to get worse. He’s a part of Passione, you know this. You’re not dumb! Now’s the time to do what you do best, be obedient and do what he says. After all, Ghiaccio knows best.

Once you accept your fate that you’re stuck here with him: it’s till death do you part. But don’t worry he still treats you as if nothing happened. Just as long as you don’t mention anything about it ☠️ or you’ll end up in the chilly basement for a few days. But it hurts him just as much as hurts you! He loves holding onto you at night as he’s drifting asleep. He’d never lay a hand on you, he just wants to make sure you never ever leave him.

But as long as you leave the past in the past (aka- your home and family!) you have a bright future ahead of you with this loving man! 🥰

#jjba #la squadra #jjba part 5 #jjba x reader #la squadra x reader #jjba ghiaccio #jojo ghiaccio #minors dni #ghiaccio x reader #jojo Ghiaccio x reader #jjba Ghiaccio x reader #la squadra esecuzioni #la squadra di esecuzione

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bohemianboynton · 2 months ago

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(originally from my other blog, maneskingroupie)

Your Biggest Fan (Thomas Raggi x f!reader)

A/N: I wrote this over the course of two days lol

Warnings: none except the mention of the ESC 2021 drug scandal

Word count: 956

It all started in 2015. You were a teenage exchange student living in Rome, and you had a few classmates who were in a band. They were just beginning their careers, but you could tell that they were going to be better as time passed.

Somehow, though, you managed to befriend them: Victoria, the bassist; Damiano, the lead singer; Thomas, the guitarist; and Ethan, the drummer. Together, they were known as Måneskin, a nod to Victoria’s half Danish heritage. You were among their first fans, and you were around their age. Even when it was time to return home, you kept in touch with them on social media through Instagram and WhatsApp. You learned Roman phrases with them over text while at the airport in your home country and you still supported them, albeit from a distance.

You found them all to be rather cute, but Thomas in particular caught your eye. With his awkward teenage boy appearance, his braces and the long blonde hair covering his face, your teenage brain found him irresistible. Almost every day, when there was time between both of your schoolwork and when the time difference would allow it, you would talk with Thomas through texting. Reading his texts made you giggle and blush, like every teenage girl getting a reply from their crush. Except that he was now becoming an Italian celebrity, thanks to the band’s appearance on the Italian version of X Factor.

A few years passed, you and your international musician friends all graduated school, and now you were all grown up and ready to head out into the world. Flash forward to 2020, you’re trying to apply for an Italian visa so you could finally get together with your friends after talking about it for what seemed like ages now. Then covid hit, and it hit Italy hard. So, your plans were halted. But you kept up with them through texts and social media, like you had before. No big deal.

However, something changed drastically in your world as things were getting back to normal. Thomas had posted a photo of himself with a woman, who you figured out was his girlfriend. This wasn’t really a shock, considering the other band members had relationships of their own as well. But seeing him with someone after talking to him all these years stung a little. But you moved on after seeing him so happy with her.

By the time your visa was approved, it was time for Festival di Sanremo in Italy, and your beloved band and friends were competing in the televised festival. The night before the final day of Sanremo, you met up with your friends and caught up in person at a small restaurant. Chatting and light drinking ensued, and you kept staring at Thomas to the point where he kept asking you what was wrong. Each time that he caught you looking, you turned away and mumbled that you were just staring off into space and not looking at him. But the truth was that you had fallen head over heels with him once again after seeing his face in person. He was definitely no longer the awkward boy you had a little crush on all those years ago, and he had grown into a rather attractive young man.

The next day, you were glued to the tv set in your hotel room, at the edge of your seat. The winners were being announced, and you waited with baited breath while watching your friends embrace each other and be embraced by their former X Factor judge, a rapper known as Fedez.

Måneskin won. They won Sanremo. They would go on to Eurovision now.

You were ecstatic for your contest winning friends, and now you could watch them compete in the biggest international musical competition in the world. It seemed so crazy that these guys were once the kids you saw in school talent shows, performing mostly cover songs. Now they had a new album out, a rage filled hard rock album that you loved the absolute hell out of. And now they had won Sanremo.

The 2021 Eurovision Song Contest came closer and closer, and with each day, you could feel the excitement between them, you, and what seemed like every person on Earth, especially after they won the contest. The excitement didn’t stop at the victory and the growing international fanbase however, a drug scandal emerged. Damiano had to pick up a broken glass that Thomas had dropped and it appeared to look as if he was snorting cocaine.

The controversy died down after Damiano’s drug test came back negative of course. You knew that a drug test would come back negative anyway, nobody in the band did any drugs. With the exception of cigarettes and alcohol, if you consider those to be drugs.

Flash forward once again to the present day, less than a few months after Eurovision. Your visa is about to expire, so you plan on bidding your friends farewell again tomorrow. Suddenly, your phone goes off. It’s Thomas blowing up your messages. He’s asking about learning English, interviews, and telling you about the planned tour. You answer his texts with short replies. You tell him that it’s because you're busy packing your belongings in a suitcase, but in reality, it's not just that. Paparazzi photos of him and his girlfriend out and about on a date were published the previous day, and when you saw them, that stinging bitter feeling of jealousy came back. You knew that Thomas didn’t know about your feelings and therefore wasn’t trying to hurt you. Nor was the woman he was dating.

You slid your phone into your pocket and left the hotel room.

#maneskin #måneskin #thomas raggi #thomas raggi x reader

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warvariations · 4 months ago

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family finally let me know their plans and my dad offered to pay for my ticket to come over to italy so i'll be flying there this sunday. i can't believe our athens summer is over! i didn't get to do enough cause for the entire month of july i couldn't even pay my bills but i really enjoyed being here. living with silvia is literally perfect i love her sm, every day i can't wait for her to be back from wherever she's been and tell me all about it, i will miss her a lot. i think i'll be spending about 10 days in italy and then have an old client fly me to berlin thru munich. and once i'm back i'll apply to an open call that is due on sept 16 and prepare for my oct 13 reading in athens (i'll be coming back for my trial) and snip away at my paper for it to fit the 5k limit (whyy) that the volos people have set for the conference proceedings. and by then the magazine i submitted to in italian will have gotten back to me and i will probably spend the rest of autumn translating. then conference in athens end of november (depends if sep 16 submission is accepted), christmas in athens with oliver's sisters and after that i'll finish sorting everything out in order to move to nz in feb (dunno for how long)...... btw i need to apply for a visa before i get convicted and also kinda sell my furniture and pack in order to move all my things from berlin to athens at once when i come here in november. it's a lot and i might not get a visa which would change everything and maybe even mess up our relationship but so far this is the plan

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stackslip · 6 months ago

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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.

#abolish borders #eu #imperialism #pol

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thailandimmigration · 3 months ago

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Thailand Visa Exemptions

Thailand, a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. This makes it easier for travelers to plan their trips and enjoy the country's stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry

The list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand changes periodically. However, as of 2023, many nationalities can visit for a certain period without a visa. Some of the countries that typically qualify include:

Asia: Most Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Europe: Most European countries, such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

North America: The United States and Canada.

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

Please note that visa requirements can change. It's always recommended to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Duration of Stay

The duration of visa-free stay varies depending on the nationality. Most travelers can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa. However, some nationalities may be eligible for longer stays.

Important Considerations

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Thailand.

Purpose of Visit: Your visit should be for tourism, business, or a short-term stay.

Departure Ticket: You may be required to present a return or onward ticket.

Visa Extensions

If you wish to stay in Thailand for longer than the visa-free period, you can apply for a visa extension within the country. The process typically involves submitting your passport and required documents to the Immigration Office.

#thailand #immigration #immigration in thailand #immigration lawyers in thailand #thailand immigration

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italyvisas-blog · 1 year ago

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Beyond Borders: Italian Appointment Visa Unveiled

Italy, a land renowned for its rich history, captivating art, and culinary delights, beckons travelers from around the globe. However, before you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Colosseum or savor the flavors of authentic pasta, there's a crucial step that awaits: obtaining the Italian Appointment Visa. This intricate process is the key to unlocking the treasures that lie beyond borders.

Understanding the Italian Appointment Visa

The Italian Appointment Visa is your gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural gems that Italy has to offer. Whether you're a tourist, a student pursuing education in Italy, or an entrepreneur exploring business prospects, this visa is a pivotal requirement. It paves the way for your entry into the country and dictates the purpose of your stay.

Navigating the Complexities

Obtaining an Italian Appointment Visa involves navigating through a labyrinth of bureaucratic procedures and meticulous documentation. The journey begins with understanding the specific visa category that aligns with your purpose of travel. From Schengen visas for short stays to national visas for longer periods, each category comes with its own set of requirements and conditions.

Once you've determined the appropriate category, the next step is securing an appointment at the Italian consulate. This appointment is the linchpin of the process, as it's the platform through which you present your case and submit your application. The consulate scrutinizes every detail, from the completeness of your documents to the authenticity of your intentions.

The Document Dance

Documents play a pivotal role in your visa application. They are the storytellers that convey your purpose, credibility, and financial stability. Essential documents include a valid passport, completed application forms, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and, if applicable, letters of enrollment from Italian educational institutions or business invitations.

Tailoring Your Application

Each visa category has specific prerequisites that must be fulfilled. If you're seeking a tourist visa, your application should demonstrate your travel plans, intended destinations, and financial means to cover your stay. For students, enrollment letters and evidence of financial support are crucial. Entrepreneurs must provide business plans, partnership agreements, and any other relevant documents.

The Power of Patience

The Italian Appointment Visa process demands patience. The waiting period between submitting your application and receiving a response can be nerve-wracking. While some visas may be processed within a matter of weeks, others might take longer due to the intricacies involved. It's essential to plan your application well in advance to ensure your travel plans align with the visa processing timeline.

Beyond Approval: Making the Most of Your Visa

Once you receive the coveted approval for your Italian Appointment Visa, a world of exploration awaits. Italy's diverse regions offer an array of experiences - from the sun-soaked beaches of the Amalfi Coast to the artistic wonders of Florence. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, witness centuries-old art, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals.

Embracing the Culture

Beyond the tangible attractions, the Italian culture welcomes you with open arms. The bustling markets, lively festivals, and leisurely passeggiata (evening strolls) are all integral aspects of Italian life. Engage with the locals, learn a few phrases in Italian, and embrace the la dolce vita (the sweet life) philosophy that defines the Italian way of living.

The Unforgettable Experience

Securing an Italian Appointment Visa is not just a bureaucratic process; it's a gateway to a transformative experience. As you traverse the cobbled streets, gaze at the masterpieces of Renaissance art, and savor gelato while overlooking the picturesque landscapes, you'll realize that the journey to obtain the visa was merely the prelude to an unforgettable adventure.

Conclusion

The Italian Appointment Visa is more than just a travel document; it's the key to unraveling the enchanting tapestry of Italy. Navigating the intricacies of the application process, presenting your case with authenticity, and patiently awaiting approval are steps that lead to the ultimate reward: an immersive and enriching experience in one of the world's most captivating countries. So, embark on this journey, embrace the process, and prepare to witness the magic that lies beyond borders.

#italy visa uk #united kingdom #viral #travel #travel to italy #apply for italy visa #italy visit visa

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neutralgray · 7 months ago

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A Synthesized History: An Amateur Comparison of the Perspectives between the "Patriot's," the "People's," & The "True" History of the United States - Part 14

Full Essay Guide link: XX

(Patriot - Chapter 17 | People - Chapter 16 | True - Chapter 25-26)

World War II and Shifting World Powers

As explored in the last section of this essay series, the 1930's were a difficult time for the United States and much of the western world. While the United States coasted through the decade using reactionary short-term economic measures led by president Roosevelt, some European countries responded to the global economic crisis in considerably different ways.

In Germany, a string of antisemitic policies were enacted by their newly appointed chancellor, Adolf Hitler. Much of this antisemitic attitude placed blame of the economic suffering at that time on the shoulders of the Jewish people. The United States was aware of this concerning development but wished to remain neutral on European affairs. Thus, the United States government made no declaration on the xenophobic affairs of Germany. In fact, American companies with trade and/or production ties in Germany continued business as usual. The same applied to fascist Italy, run by Prime Minister Benito Mussolini. When Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, the United States remained "neutral" but American companies still actively sold Italy the necessary oil to fuel their war efforts. Essentially, the United States policy of nonintervention benefited the growing fascist regimes.

As tensions increased across Europe over the 1930's, many speculated the potential for another major conflict. Some citizens of the United States participated in peace marches while others participated in strikes on college campuses. Many other citizens were wary of another potential intervention into European affairs, believing the first world war was a costly and pointless endeavor. Roosevelt declared the "Neutrality Acts" in response to this speculative conflict. The Neutrality Acts would allow the United States to refrain from direct intervention but would impose an arms embargo on any belligerents, should a war occur.

The situation in Europe would only grow worse. In 1938, Hitler's German forces invade Austria. Over 3000 Jewish denizens were applying for immigration visas a day to flee the invasion, but due to the United States' recent immigration restrictions, the United States could only apply up to 850 of these immigrants a month.

Despite invading and annexing both Austria and Czechoslovakia, it was not until the invasion of Poland in September, 1939, that Britain and France would declare war on Germany. At this point, Roosevelt began to repeal aspects of the Neutrality Acts. His interactions with other world leaders showed sympathy for their cause and soon enough he and Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, would form a political friendship.

With the European conflict growing in magnitude, FDR decided that the potential for national emergency coupled with the ongoing difficulties of the domestic economic depression required further executive leadership. He ran for a 3rd term, something no president before had done. At this point the public was aware of a shifting tide that suggested an eventual intervention in the European conflict was inevitable.

In November, 1940, President Roosevelt won his 3rd term and almost immediately launched aid to Great Britain via executive order. Fifty WWI bombers were declared "obsolete" and sent across the Atlantic to Britain. The United States then began a "lend-lease" policy, which allowed supply aid to be granted under a "borrowed" contract. Critics would often poke at this policy, asking how one could "return used bullets." Regardless, it allowed the United States to intervene and indebted multiple countries to the United States.

After several years of of watching the situation across the ocean, the public acclimated to the idea that American intervention was almost certain. Publications across the country promoted a sympathetic European brother, needing the help of the United States as they fought fascism. At that point there was very little coordinated opposition to the war outside the Socialist Workers' Party. Even the American Communist Party, which had opposed the war in 1939, changed their stance as the conflict continued to look more bleak. Of course, any potential organized opposition was fiercely challenged. The FBI and HUAC monitored for potentially "disruptive" groups. There was also the Smith Act of 1940, which took aspects of the Espionage Act and applied it to peacetime, giving the United States more control to silence dissent.

President Roosevelt and the American government continued to aid the war without being "in" the war. Troops were stationed on both Iceland and Greenland to prevent Nazi's from having easy access to either. The defense perimeter was also extended, and the Navy had orders to track German submarines and report their position to British contacts. Eventually the order was changed to just shooting them on sight. The Germans returned the hostilities and engaged in several attacks on U.S. boats and ships, such as the sinking of freighter SS Robin Moor. These attacks made for effective propaganda tools and led to a more outraged and war-hungry public.

Roosevelt and Churchill's political alliance continued. They devised a document known as the Atlantic Charter which detailed a post-war world after an assumed Allied victory. It was celebrated for declaring the rights of nations to self-determination, restoration of self-government, and more open trading. These and more were outlined by the two optimistic world leaders, one of whom was not even in the war yet.

The United States had initially continued trade with Japan despite their invasive and aggressive war with China, providing them with up to 80% of their oil. The United States eventually imposed sanctions on gasoline, iron, oil, and other commodities. This was potentially in hopes of staunching the Japanese and their aggressive strategy, but instead it merely made them desperate. Japan wanted to force the United States to renegotiate over these sanctions but likely did not intend or want a total war with the United States. Their strategies were desperate and short-sighted, however. On December 7th, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy," the Japanese attacked the Pearl Harbor naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii. Four days later Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

If the United States had hoped to only engage with Japan, then the declarations of war from the other Axis powers made this impossible. Even with three enemies to fight, though, the United States had large advantages. One, it had the advantage of distance. Being so far removed from most of the fighting, the U.S. could afford to be strategic in how it entered the fight. Two, the U.S. also had nearly double the income of Germany, Italy, and Japan, despite the economic suffering of the Great Depression.

The United States had been preparing for this possibility. Rapidly the country amassed the largest army in its history-- smaller than Germany's and less than half of Russia's, but still the biggest army the United States had ever raised. Never before had a greater proportion of the population participated in a war. Eighteen million served in the armed forces, with 10 million serving overseas, and 25 million citizens giving to the war effort through war bonds. Civilians also helped the war effort by increasing farm production, growing backyard "victory gardens" to help with potential food supply shortages, and by organizing scrap and paper drives.

Multiple organizations were established that helped the U.S. shift completely towards the war effort. The War Production Board and later the Office of War Mobilization helped shift large industries to the war effort by focusing on production of war equipment such as tanks and carriers. The Office of War Information was a propaganda agency that helped continue and enforce public support of the war. The Office of Strategic Services, a pre-runner to the CIA, gathered enemy intelligence.

The Allied Powers comprised of many nations, but the three largest were the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. This was an alliance largely made out of necessity. The United States wanted to expand their economic growth across the Pacific and retaliate for previous attacks. The United Kingdom wanted to maintain the European power structure and its hierarchy. Russia desperately needed aid, as they were taking on the brunt of the German army and were almost constantly engaged with infantry fighting.

Even during the beginnings of this 3-way alliance, signs of the later Cold War were there. The US and UK worked with the Soviet Union but did not trust Stalin and his communist regime. Stalin, likewise, likely held resentment and mistrust due to his ally's continued delay/deferral of establishing a second war front. Russians were being slaughtered by the millions but instead of truly helping their ally, the US and UK deemed fighting and maintaining their influence in Northern Africa was more immediately important. Russia was put in a difficult position, with Stalin reaching out to negotiate with Hitler in December of 1942 and in the summer of 1943, indicating Stalin was not certain of victory against the belligerent Nazis. The 2nd front in the European war finally happened in May of 1944.

The U.S. and U.K. engaged in "strategic" bombings of civilian cities in both Germany and Japan. This was to cause national suffering and weaken the morale and will of the enemy nations. In the European theater, this weakened the German offense against the Soviets, as many of their aircrafts were pulled away from the front to defend the homeland and counter-attack the bombing parties.

June 6th, 1944, is one of the most striking dates in the history of the war-- "D Day." It was the convergence of many military forces from allied countries storming the beaches of Normandy, France, which would ultimately lead to the liberation of France. At this point in the war, Italy's forces had all but collapsed and Germany was now surrounded by enemies. The Soviet Union began to reclaim territory and occupied much of the Germans' invaded lands, including Poland. Germany tried to push an offensive to reclaim territory and fracture the Allies during the Battle of the Bulge. Germans tore a 45 mile wide gap in Allied forces, but when the freezing weather conditions cleared, the Germans were surrounded by overwhelming forces. Soviets occupied Berlin, Mussolini had been killed by Italians forces that opposed the war, and Hitler had killed himself. On May 7th, 1945, Germany declared unconditional surrender. Less than a year after D Day, on May 8th, 1945, ("VE Day") the European theater was won.

The United States was not done, of course. The war in the Pacific was still going strong. Troops adopted an "island hopping" strategy to attempt to gain ground on the Japanese combatants, but progress was slow. Initially, the Japanese dominated the Pacific conflict. This would not last. Key strategic victories on Midway Island and the Guadalcanal airfield, coupled with the cracking of the Japanese naval code helped considerably shift the war's favor to the United States.

The United States had the long-term advantage of a thriving wartime economy whereas the Japanese situation grew increasingly more desperate. Despite the ability to out-produce Japan and the shifting tide of the conflict, the Japanese remained a difficult enemy to fight. This was in part because of the jungle terrain often being fought in, but also because of significant cultural differences that affected the Japanese soldier's views of war and surrender. Honor was a highly regarded cultural value, comparable to the way the U.S. people viewed "freedom," and to surrender or fail to fight was a great mark of shame. Thus, many Japanese combatants refused to stop fighting, potentially believing their lives were worth losing for their country's cause.

The Japanese/American conflict sparked vitriolic racist motivations culturally. When the war in Europe was sold to the American people, it was presented a fight against the rise of fascism. The pacific war was presented as a fight directly against the Japanese. Propaganda depicted the Japanese with grossly stereotyped and exaggerated features. This was also demonstrated the other way around-- American POWs in the European conflict had 90%+ survival rates, versus the 1/3rd of them that died under Japanese capture. This hatred fueled anger and the anger fueled fighting. Racial tensions became so pronounced after the Pearl Harbor attack that the American government was fearful of its own Japanese citizens. Executive Order 9906, signed on February 19th, 1942, ordered the constraint of Japanese-American citizens and immigrants into concentration camps across multiple states. These camps would be active for more than 3 years.

By 1945, the Japanese were confined to their lands, held little supply stability, and had virtually no navy left. Japanese leaders began to probe the possibility of peace through Russian contacts, but Japanese militarists continued fighting. The U.S. would take accept nothing less than "unconditional surrender," which put Japan in a difficult and desperate position. It was unclear how long the Japanese could last but even if their fighting spirit lasted to the last man, it was clear they had no advantage left to them.

The Soviet Union was not far along from entering the Pacific conflict due to an agreement with the United States: Russia would enter the pacific conflict 90 days after victory in Europe was declared. If the United States could force a surrender before Russian forces offered support, it would prevent the Soviets a chance to sink their own self-interests in the potential outcome of the fighting. To force this surrender, the United States unveiled the fruits of a years long weapons project.

Dubbed the "Manhattan Project," this weapons project aimed at building powerful bombs using nuclear energy. The United States was not the only country working on achieving the "atomic bomb," but they were the first to succeed. The project had been in development since 1941 and on August 6th, 1945, the United States used it on the city of Hiroshima. Over 140,000 people were killed by a single bomb. Three days later they dropped a second bomb on Nagasaki, killing over 70,000 people. The death toll would grow even worse as the fallout settled and poisoned many survivors of the initial blasts. With these two bombs, the United States shifted the world's view on what carnage was even possible in war. Emperor Hirohito declared the surrender of the Japanese empire shortly after, on August 15th, and the surrender was formally signed on September 2nd, 1945, ending the global conflict.

President Truman (successor to Roosevelt who died of a brain hemorrhage a month before VE Day) never once showed any regret for using the bombs. In fact, Truman's comments on the bombs indicated that he had always intended on using any and all of the weapons at his disposal to win the war. Some historians argue that bleak projections on the potential casualties if a mainland invasion was attempted over the atom bombs, demonstrated that far more would have died. The United States lost many of its troops to the Pacific front and many feared worse loss. Despite this claim, the United States Strategic Bombing Survey would later conclude that the bombing was unlikely a "necessary" strategy.

World War II fundamentally changed the power structure of the western world, shifting much of the power to the isolationist United States. This shift made sense when considering the variables. The United States already had a considerable ability to generate economic production, and the shift to a wartime economy pushed production even further. Countries were granted aid by the United States but usually owed that capital in return. Europe's primary powers were ravaged and needed time to heal after once again losing millions to a global war. The Soviet Union was also set to become a major superpower but was at a disadvantage compared to the U.S. due to their massive war casualties and a comparative lack of initial economic power.

The United States, under Truman's leadership, moved away from its isolationist tendencies and began to more actively intervene in the world. These interventions were framed as being against the "rule of force," justifying these interventions as a necessary good. This new intervention strategy was quickly seen during the Korean War, in which the United States intervened by supporting South Korea while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea. Proxy wars like this would become more common going forward.

Anti-communist tendencies began to really take hold in daily American life. These anti-communists sentiments were not uncommon before, but with the threat of fascism gone and the United States now poised as a world leader, communism was the next "bogeyman" for a patriotic and fearful population. This fear and hatred towards communism also created a web of community and national identity. This fear served an even greater purpose, though.

With the threat of a potential new enemy, the United States ensured that it could maintain its wartime economy whether it was fighting or not. The military would also continue to grow, enforcing the United States' powerful empire. In 1950 the United States had a total yearly budget of $40 billion dollars with $12 billion dedicated to the military. By 1955 the military budget alone was $40 billion from a total budget of $62 billion.

Other events that followed the war included the alliance of the United States and Saudi Arabia due to oil, the founding of the United Nations with the United States as one of its head leaders, and the issuance of executive order 9835, which enforced searching for "disloyal" persons.

The United States was now, for better or worse, leader of the "free world" after all other powers had fallen behind.

Final Thoughts:

This essay marks a turning point in the history of the United States that I believe will continue to be noticeable in future entries. This is where the United States truly takes its place as an "Empire of Liberty" in the greater world.

I believe that this section is also important in understanding the myth of American exceptionalism. With the United States intervening in the war but skirting by the worst consequences of the war, the United States became, in a way, "superior." It is not surprising then, that the population at large saw itself as a perfect country. The wartime economy also saved the country from the Great Depression and allowed for an economic bliss in the 1950's that no decade after has had in quite the same way.

I will be interested to see how this new position in the world affects the United States going forward and how those influences likely echo in our modern world.

#A Synthesized History #A True History #A People's History #A Patriot's History #Larry Schweikart #Michael Allen #Howard Zinn #Daniel A Sjursen #American History #History

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personalcareexpo · 10 months ago

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Visa-free! 🎉Entry policy relaxed!🎉 Visa waiver added!🤝 Relax visa requirements for foreigners!😆

🐼Relaxing visa conditions for foreigners， More convenient for overseas visitors✈️ To visit exhibitions in China for business cooperation💼🥂 ! ! !

In 2023, the transit policy and visa process will be optimized, international flights will resume and increase at a faster pace, and multiple entry favorable policies will further facilitate international business exchanges. China's door to the world will open wider and wider!🐼💖🤗

01✨

Shanghai port issued a new visa-free transit reminder📣 The National Immigration Bureau issued a new visa-free transit policy in November, 23📣

At present, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is implemented at 31 ports in 23 cities in 18 provinces for people from 54 countries. Namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries, totaling 54 countries with valid international travel documents and confirmed dates and seats within a limited time. Persons from 54 countries who transit from China to a third country (region), with valid international travel documents, and connecting passenger tickets with fixed dates and seats within a limited time, may apply for transit visa exemption to the port entry inspection authorities of the cities that implement the transit visa exemption policy, and the exit border inspection authorities will handle the temporary entry formalities for them. The duration of visa-free stay starts from 00:00 on the next day of entry.

❤️[Please see the table at the bottom for details of Shanghai ports]👇👇

02✨

📢New news on visa-free policy released in November 📢China’s new visa-free policy promotes high-level opening-up

On November 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has decided to try to expand the scope of unilateral visa-free countries and implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the above countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days can enter China without a visa.

03✨

New news on convenient foreign personnel coming to China released in January📣 The National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreign nationals to come to China📣

Another good news has come recently. Starting from January 11, the National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, which mainly include:

Relax the conditions for foreigners coming to China to apply for port visas. For foreigners who urgently need to come to China to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling private affairs, and who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad, they can apply for a port visa entry to the port visa authority with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters.

For foreigners, 24-hour direct transit passengers at nine international airports including Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang are exempted from border inspection procedures.

Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location.

Foreigners in China who need to enter and exit multiple times can apply for a re-entry visa.

Simplify the application materials for visa documents for foreigners in China.

04✨

📢Starting from February 9, China and Singapore will exempt each other from visas

On January 25, representatives from the government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Republic of Singapore signed the 'Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders' in Beijing. The agreement will officially enter into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). By then, people from both sides holding ordinary passports can enter the other country without a visa to engage in tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs, and their stay shall not exceed 30 days. If you enter the other country to engage in activities that require prior approval, such as work or news reporting, or plan to stay in the other country for more than 30 days, you must obtain the corresponding visa before entering the other country.

As of January 25, China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different passport types with 157 countries, and has reached agreements or arrangements with 44 countries to simplify visa procedures. Comprehensive mutual visa exemption has been achieved with 22 countries including Singapore, Maldives and Kazakhstan. In addition, more than 60 countries and regions offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival convenience to Chinese citizens. The convenience for Chinese citizens to leave the country has been greatly improved, and the 'gold content' of Chinese passports will become increasingly valuable. (Source: CCTV News)

05✨

Starting from March 1, China and Thailand will exempt each other from visas📣

On January 28, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Royal Government of Thailand held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders. The agreement will take effect from March 1, 2024.

After the news was released, data from a travel platform showed that the search popularity of Thailand-related keywords on the platform increased by more than 7 times compared with the previous day. Among them, air tickets and hotels increased by more than 6 times compared with the previous day. (Source: CCTV News)

In addition, recently, China has stated that it will grant unilateral visa-free treatment to Sweden and Ireland. This is the second time that China has granted visa-free treatment to European countries after France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

#visa #China #chinesevisa #visafree #entrypolicy #visawaiver #businessinchina #transitpolicy #internationalflights #internationalbusinessexchanges #business #Shanghaiport #transitvisaexemption #tourism #visitrelatives #visitfriends

#personal care #china #china expo #expochina2024 #public exhibition #trade shows #guangzhou #pce #personal care expo #nanfung #visafreeentry #visafreetravel #chinese #business #shanghai

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beardedmrbean · 1 year ago

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BRUSSELS (AP) — Abdesalem Lassoued had been denied residency in four European countries by the time he chased two Swedish men into a building in Brussels this week and gunned them down at close range with a semiautomatic rifle.

The 45-year-old Tunisian arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa in a smuggler’s boat in 2011. He spent jail time in Sweden and was refused entry to Norway. At one point Italy flagged him as a security threat. Two years ago, Belgium rejected his asylum claim and he disappeared off the map.

Until Monday night, that is, when he killed the two Swedes, wounded a third and forced the lockdown of more than 35,000 people in a soccer stadium where they had gathered to watch Belgium play Sweden. In a video posted online, he claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State group.

Within days he has become the new face of the European Union’s campaign to toughen border controls, rapidly deport people and allow the police and security agencies to exchange information more efficiently.

“It’s important that those individuals that could be a security threat to our citizens, to our Union, have to be returned forcefully, immediately,” EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters on Thursday, as EU interior ministers met in Luxembourg.

Only around one in four people whose asylum applications are denied ever leave or are deported from the 27-nation bloc. Often the countries they come from, including Tunisia, are reluctant to take them back.

With EU countries constantly bickering over how to manage migration – their differences lie at the heart of one of the bloc’s biggest political crises – the European Commission has sought to outsource the challenge.

The EU’s executive branch has helped to seal deals with Turkey and Tunisia to persuade these countries to stop people from the Middle East or Africa – not to mention their own nationals – from trying to enter Europe, as they did in large numbers in 2015.

About 25 countries that people leave or transit to get to Europe are of concern. Egypt is the next country on the list. The commission is already helping to locate and pay for new boats for the Egyptian coastguard.

Belgium’s top migration official, Nicole de Moor, said that countries refusing to take back their nationals must be made to cooperate.

“The terrorist that committed an attack in Brussels on Monday had asked for asylum in four different European countries, and every time he was rejected because he did not qualify for protection,” de Moor said.

The EU does have coercive tools at its disposal. The commission has used visas as a lever, making it harder, more time-consuming and costly for the citizens of migration source countries to gain entry to Europe’s ID check-free zone – the 27-country space known as the Schengen area.

Thanks to this, Johansson said, the EU now has “much better cooperation” on deportation with Iraq, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Senegal.

The shooter Lassoued’s case was also marked by other failures. He applied for asylum in Belgium in 2019. His application was rejected a year later, and a deportation order was issued in 2021. Officials said this week that he couldn’t be found, as they had no address for him.

Within a few hours, admittedly with public help, prosecutors conceded, the authorities had discovered where he lived. He was shot dead by police at a café nearby the following morning when they tried to arrest him.

“It turns out that the individual had been convicted and had served time in a Swedish prison, which was unknown to our police and judiciary,” Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told reporters.

“We need to improve the information exchange on these kinds of things. The man apparently arrived in Italy in 2011 (and) wandered around Europe for 12 years,” she said. Migration services and the police must share information, she said, “to ensure that this cannot happen.”

The clamor for tougher laws and better intelligence sharing are fresh, but the problem is not new. Lassoued’s case resembles that of another Tunisian man, Anis Amri, who drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in 2016, killing 12 people and injuring 56 others.

German authorities tried to deport Amri after his asylum application was rejected but were unable to because he lacked valid identity papers. Tunisia had denied that he was a citizen.

On Tuesday, after leading security talks throughout the night while the hunt for Lassoued went on, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo loosened his tie from around his collar as he answered a reporter’s thorny question about the failings of Belgium’s police, justice and migration services.

“An order to leave the territory must become more binding that it is now,” De Croo conceded. “We have to respect the decisions that we take.”

#nunyas news

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