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Switzerland Tops Most Powerful Passports In 2024
Switzerland has topped the list of the most powerful passports in 2024 according to the Nomad Passport Index.
The tax and immigration consulting firm, Nomad Capitalist disclosed that factors responsible for the strength of passports include visa-free travel, taxation, global perception, dual citizenship status, and personal freedom.
According to the Nomad Capitalist, the requirements include visa-free travel — 50%, taxation — 20%, global perception —10%, ability to hold dual citizenship — 10% and personal freedom (freedom of the press, mandatory military service, etc.) — 10%.
The 2024 Nomad Passport Index states, “Citizens of different countries deal with very different requirements to pay tax, live freely, comply with regulations, and avoid scrutiny when traveling. In that regard, the number of countries a passport holder may visit does not tell the whole story.”
Following Switzerland, the top nine countries with powerful passports include Ireland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, The Netherlands, Norway, Germany and New Zealand.
According to CNBC, the Index said, “Portugal tied with Ireland in all but personal freedom, emphasizing its steady appeal, while Finland —known for its vast visa-free travel options — now ranks fourth, highlighting the importance of global accessibility.”
But the “standout development” is the United Arab Emirates.
It said, “The UAE was No. 1 in 2023, but slipped to a sixth-place tie this year with countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and New Zealand, according to the research team.
“The drop was caused by a change in UAE tax policy that affected domestic and overseas company owners, including residents with foreign company ownership.”
Bulgaria is one to watch, according to the team. Its passport rose from 42nd in the index to 32nd in two years, largely because of its entrance into Europe’s Schengen zone scheduled to happen in late March, it said.
Hong Kong slipped from 44th place in 2022 to 50th place this year, while Macao ranks 69th and China sits much further down the list in 120th place.
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President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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