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An investigation by Lighthouse Reports and RFI examines how VFS Global, a visa outsourcing giant, has turned Africa's visa application process into a growing business, with profits surging despite modest volume growth. The story highlights aggressive sales tactics, a thriving market for unofficial visa 'fixers,' and the dilemmas facing African applicants.
US President Donald Trump is set to meet G7 leaders in Evian to discuss a forthcoming US-Iran memorandum of understanding, scheduled for signing in Geneva on Friday. The deal reportedly includes the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, while Israeli strikes on Beirut continue amid the diplomatic push.
Reports indicate the US and Iran have agreed on a memorandum of understanding, an interim measure that extends the ceasefire for 60 days and includes a two-step peace process. Analysts describe the agreement as an outline for negotiations rather than a comprehensive settlement, with challenges ahead including the nuclear file and regional tensions.
South Korean labor groups have proposed raising next year's minimum hourly wage to 12,000 won, a 16.3% increase, citing falling real wages. Business representatives have yet to counter with their own proposal, while a survey highlights small-business concerns over rising costs.
Violence erupted in Geneva on the eve of the G7 summit as protesters clashed with police, who fired tear gas and used water cannons. Demonstrators set a Tesla on fire and smashed windows at a UN agency. The summit, set to begin Monday in Évian-les-Bains, France, is expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
European Union member states have agreed to open the first stage of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, a move long blocked by Hungary's previous government. The talks are set to begin on Monday in Luxembourg, marking a significant step in both countries' efforts to join the bloc.
As the US and Iran move toward a Memorandum of Understanding, a former national security adviser to Benjamin Netanyahu warns the deal may be worse than the 2015 nuclear accord. Critics say the agreement addresses only immediate concerns—like reopening the Strait of Hormuz—while leaving Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles unaddressed.
British armed forces boarded and detained the tanker Smyrtos, suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet, in the English Channel. The operation, described as the first UK-led of its kind, has drawn praise from Ukraine's president, while Russia warns of legal action over plans to sell the tanker's oil.
The UK Court of Appeal has upheld the British government's proscription of Palestine Action as a 'terrorist' organisation, a ruling that has drawn sharp criticism from the group's supporters and human rights advocates. The decision, which overturns a lower court's ruling, follows a series of protests and arrests related to the group's activities targeting UK-based defence firms. Co-founder Huda Ammori has signalled plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle over the boundaries of protest and national security.
India abstained from the International Labour Organization's vote adopting the first binding labor standards for gig workers, citing the need for flexibility. The decision comes as India's gig workforce is projected to triple by 2030, with 40% earning below €136 monthly. Separately, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar protested to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the deaths of Indian sailors.
Thousands of protesters are expected to rally in Geneva on Sunday ahead of the G7 summit in Evian, France, with authorities deploying heavy security and businesses boarding up storefronts. The 'No-G7' coalition, comprising over 60 groups, aims to denounce 'fascism and imperialism' and express frustration with global leaders' policies. The summit, running from June 15-17, will tackle issues including the war in Iran and economic imbalances.
US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war, with Iran agreeing to dilute enriched uranium in exchange for economic relief. Protests in Iran and conflicting statements over the signing date highlight ongoing tensions.
Satellite images reveal that a portion of Antarctica's Bellingshausen Sea, roughly the size of France, has failed to form winter sea ice for the third time in four years. Scientists express deep concern about the potential impacts on marine life and global sea levels, with some suggesting the ice may never fully recover in this region.
President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with an unprecedented UFC event on the White House South Lawn, coinciding with an announcement of an initial agreement to end the war with Iran. Reports indicate over 4,000 spectators attended the event, which critics have derided as being in poor taste during wartime.
Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 Group C opener, with Ismael Saibari and Vinicius Junior trading goals. Morocco later beat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2, while Scotland secured a 1-0 win over Haiti.
Qatar earned a historic 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener against Switzerland in San Francisco, with Boualem Khoukhi scoring in stoppage time to earn the Asian champions their first point in the competition. The late goal denied Switzerland, who had dominated possession and led through a Breel Embolo penalty.
US President Donald Trump will attend the G7 summit in Evian, France, from June 15-17, where he will join a working session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though no bilateral meeting is planned. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to host Trump for a private dinner at the Palace of Versailles, and Zelensky says he expects a separate meeting on Wednesday.
US President Donald Trump is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately during the G7 summit in Evian, France, according to senior US administration officials. The meeting, expected to discuss a bilateral trade pact and regional issues, marks their first interaction since February 2025.
Lebanese state media reported Israeli strikes on southern areas as the Israeli army ordered evacuations in Nabatieh and surrounding towns. Hezbollah rejected a US-brokered agreement, calling it a surrender, while the Lebanese army withdrew from a base near advancing Israeli troops.
A French court has sentenced six Georgian nationals to up to seven years in prison for the theft of rare Russian literary works from libraries in Paris and Lyon. The trial, which concluded on Saturday, saw the defendants found guilty of criminal conspiracy, with some also convicted of theft of cultural objects. The case is part of a broader investigation into a suspected organised network targeting libraries across Europe.