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Cyprus Nears US Visa Waiver Program As Refusal Rate Drops Below 3%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 28, 2024

Cyprus has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program, with the 2024 visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens reported at just 2.16%. This figure, announced by the US Department of State, is well below the program’s required threshold of 3%, marking a crucial step toward visa-free travel for Cypriots.

Progress Towards Inclusion

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that Cyprus has met a “key prerequisite” for its inclusion in the program. She credited the progress to successful technical consultations between Cyprus and the United States over the past year.

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Piki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Cyprus’ inclusion in the program by 2025, allowing Cypriots to travel to the US for tourism and business without the need for a visa.

Support from US Officials

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, also acknowledged the milestone, describing it as a significant step forward. She expressed optimism that Cypriots would soon enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel to the US.

What’s Next?

The Cypriot government plans to continue its focused efforts to meet all remaining requirements, ensuring the process stays on track. This achievement underscores the growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US, paving the way for stronger ties and easier travel.

As Cyprus moves closer to this goal, the prospect of visa-free access to the US represents an important development for both business and leisure travellers.

UnitedHealth Removes DEI Mentions From Website Amid Growing Shift In Corporate Policies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2025

UnitedHealth Group has significantly reduced its public focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by removing related content from its website.

The reasons for these changes remain unclear, and it’s uncertain whether the removal signals a shift in the company’s policies or simply a change in the language used. A UnitedHealth spokesperson, Tyler Mason, commented that the company continues to support a collaborative environment and mutual respect, which remain integral to its culture and mission to expand access to healthcare services.

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The move coincides with a broader trend among major corporations, especially in the tech industry, retreating from DEI programs. This shift is partly in response to executive orders from the Trump administration targeting DEI initiatives in companies receiving federal funding. Some tech giants, including Google and OpenAI, have already scrubbed DEI-related content from their sites.