For discerning investors or those seeking a reliable backup plan, the allure of a “golden visa” is hard to ignore. Various East Asian nations are rolling out long-term residency programs designed to offer a second home for expatriates. These initiatives are often accessible through substantial investments or specialized skill sets, aiming to draw in capital, talent, and innovation. The landscape is evolving rapidly, making it essential to stay informed about each country's offerings.

Rising Competition for Global Talent

As countries vie for international investors, the competition intensifies. Vietnam, for instance, has introduced a five-year “talent visa” with a streamlined renewal process, while Malaysia boasts a golden visa that can last up to 20 years for qualified applicants. Below, we delve into the specific programs offered by each country, based on insights from consultancy firms like Henley & Partners and Harvey Law Group.

1. Hong Kong: Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

Hong Kong's CIES has been revitalized to attract high-net-worth individuals, reflecting the city’s continued appeal as a financial hub.

• Investment Requirement: A minimum of HK$30 million (approximately $3.86 million) in approved assets, which can include real estate, stocks, or business investments.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a clean immigration record, and demonstrate full ownership of the invested assets. Proof of financial stability and a viable business plan may also be required.
• Residency Pathway: Successful applicants receive temporary residency, with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after seven years. Benefits include access to Hong Kong's robust healthcare system and educational institutions.

2. Malaysia: Two Residency Programs

Malaysia offers two primary pathways for residency through investment, each catering to different demographics and investment capacities.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

• Financial Requirements: Applicants under 50 must deposit MYR 300,000 (about $68,000) in a fixed deposit account, while those over 50 must deposit MYR 150,000 (approximately $34,000).
• Eligibility Age: Minimum age of 35.
• Residency Duration: A 10-year multiple-entry visa, requiring at least 90 days of stay each year. This program also allows for family members to join, making it an attractive option for families.
• Additional Benefits: The program offers tax incentives, such as exemption from income tax on overseas income.

Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

• Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of RM 1 million (around $240,000) in approved sectors.
• Age Restrictions: None, making it accessible to younger investors.
• Residency Duration: A 20-year multiple-entry visa issued in five-year increments, with no minimum stay requirement, offering flexibility for frequent travelers.
• Benefits: Investors can also enjoy Malaysia's rich culture, diverse cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.

3. Singapore: Global Investor Programme (GIP)

Singapore’s GIP provides a pathway to permanent residency for qualified global investors, reinforcing its position as a global business center.

• Investment Options:
  • Option A: Invest S$10 million (about $7.78 million) in a new or existing business in Singapore, contributing to the local economy.
  • Option B: Invest S$25 million in a fund approved by the Singapore Economic Development Board, supporting innovative startups.
• Eligibility: Applicants must possess a robust business track record, with prior entrepreneurial experience being highly advantageous.
• Residency Pathway: Permanent residency is granted upon approval, with eligibility for citizenship after two years. Note that Singapore prohibits dual citizenship, which may be a consideration for potential applicants.

4. Thailand: Elite Visa Program

Thailand’s Elite Visa offers attractive long-term residency options, appealing not only to investors but also to retirees and expatriates.

• Membership Fee: Starting from THB 650,000 ($19,300) for a five-year visa, with options for longer durations available.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must hold a foreign passport, have no criminal record, and meet standard immigration requirements.
• Benefits: Membership includes VIP airport services, government concierge assistance, and exclusive access to events, making it a premium choice for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle in Thailand. The program also promotes cultural integration and networking opportunities.

5. Vietnam: New Visa Schemes

Vietnam is enhancing its appeal to investors and skilled professionals with new visa offerings aimed at driving economic growth.

• Investor Visa: Valid for 10 years, offering a pathway to permanent residency after five years. This visa is designed for individuals willing to invest in sectors prioritized by the Vietnamese government.
• Talent Visa: Targeting high-skilled professionals in technology, finance, and healthcare, valid for five years, with an easy renewal process to encourage talent retention.
• Application Process: Expected to be entirely online, streamlining the experience and eliminating the need for embassy appointments. This modernization reflects Vietnam's commitment to attracting global talent.

6. Philippines: Diverse Golden Visa Options

The Philippines offers several residency options catering to foreign investors and retirees, making it an attractive destination in Southeast Asia.

Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)

• Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of $75,000 in Philippine corporations, ideally in sectors that support national development.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be 21 or older, healthy, and free of criminal records. Family members can also be included in the application.
• Residency Benefits: Offers indefinite residency for the investor and their family, with no minimum stay required. Investors benefit from tax incentives on Philippine income only and enjoy duty-free import of goods.

Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)

• Eligibility: Available for retirees aged 50 and above, with entry starting from a deposit of $10,000, which may vary based on pension income.
• Benefits: Lifetime stay, work and study rights, access to health insurance, and the ability to live anywhere in the Philippines. This visa provides a straightforward pathway for retirees seeking a serene lifestyle.

Each of these golden visa programs is designed with distinct features to appeal to various profiles, from investors to retirees. They provide flexible paths to residency, allowing individuals to experience the rich cultures, economic opportunities, and stunning landscapes of East Asia. However, applicants should be prepared to spend a certain amount of time in the host country to maintain their status. With the right investment and commitment, your dream of global living in East Asia could become a reality, offering not just a home, but a vibrant new lifestyle.

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, particularly following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, Qatar has implemented precautionary measures by temporarily closing its airspace. This decision, announced on Monday, aims to ensure the safety of residents and visitors and has led to significant disruptions at Doha Hamad International Airport, one of the world’s busiest international hubs.

The airspace closure forced the majority of Qatar Airways flights bound for Doha to divert to alternate airports, severely impacting operations across Europe, Asia, the U.S., Australia, and the Gulf region. Shortly after the announcement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, flights began diverting mid-route, while departures from Hamad International Airport were suspended.

Key Diversion Statistics

Istanbul Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah each handled nine rerouted Qatar Airways flights, making them the most affected locations. Other airports, including Muscat International Airport and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport, also managed multiple diversions. Notable diversion statistics include:

	Airport	City/Country	Number Of Diversions
1	Istanbul Airport (IST)	Istanbul, Turkey	9
2	King Abdulaziz Int’l (JED)	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia	9
3	Muscat International Airport (MCT)	Muscat, Oman	8
4	Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz (MED)	Medina, Saudi Arabia	7
5	King Fahd International (DMM)	Dammam, Saudi Arabia	6
6	Kempegowda International (BLR)	Bengaluru, India	5
7	Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)	Izmir, Turkey	4
8	Salalah International Airport (SLL)	Salalah, Oman	4
9	Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	3
10	Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)	Abu Dhabi, UAE	3

European Flights Diverted

Most European flights impacted by the airspace closure were redirected to Istanbul, with additional diversions to other Turkish airports. For instance, flights from Amsterdam and Algiers were rerouted to Antalya and Bodrum, respectively. Long-haul flights from Asia and Australia also experienced significant rerouting, with Bengaluru receiving the highest number of diverted flights.

Several flights returned to their departure points mid-air. Notably, Flight QR146 from Barcelona turned back after entering Turkish airspace, and similar cases occurred with flights from Madrid and the UK, which returned before reaching the Gulf region. Other flights experienced delays and prolonged holding patterns, complicating the situation further.

Impact on Global Operations

The disruptions extended beyond Qatar Airways, affecting many international airlines. Major carriers, including Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, adjusted their flight schedules and routes in response to the sudden closure. This led to a ripple effect on global air traffic, as many planes had to find alternative landing locations while keeping safety as the top priority.

Travelers faced uncertainty and frustration, with some flights landing in unexpected destinations hours from their original plans. Passengers reported long waits and confusion at diverted airports, as airlines scrambled to provide accommodations and information.

Passenger Assistance and Accommodations

In light of the disruptions, Qatar Airways and other affected airlines deployed customer service teams to assist stranded passengers. Many airlines offered hotel accommodations and meal vouchers for those left in limbo due to diverted flights. Qatar Airways also set up information desks at key airports to help travelers navigate the changes.

For those whose flights were canceled, airlines provided options for rebooking or refunds, although availability was limited due to the high volume of affected passengers.

Reopening of Qatari Airspace

By Tuesday morning, Qatari authorities announced the reopening of the country’s airspace, and operations at Hamad International Airport began to gradually normalize. However, the effects of the disruption continued into the following day, with numerous cancellations affecting scheduled arrivals in Doha. Airlines such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Iberia, American Airlines, and JetBlue reported canceled inbound services.

Ongoing Regional Tensions

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with experts warning of potential further escalations. Analysts are closely monitoring developments, as diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The ongoing situation raises concerns about the stability of air travel in the region, prompting airlines to stay vigilant and adaptable.

Economic Impact

The disruptions also have broader economic implications. Qatar Airways, which is a significant player in international air travel, may face financial repercussions due to the disruptions and cancellations. The airline industry is already recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and further interruptions could hinder this recovery.

As regional tensions continue to impact air travel, the aviation industry is facing unprecedented challenges. With the reopening of Qatari airspace, airlines are working to restore normal operations, but the situation remains fluid. Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and to expect continued adjustments as airlines navigate these turbulent times. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the fragility of global air travel amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Air travel across the United Arab Emirates faced severe disruption on Monday after a series of military escalations in the Gulf region prompted widespread airspace closures. Sharjah-based Air Arabia issued an urgent advisory to passengers, warning of potential flight delays and disruptions following Iran’s missile strikes on a US base in Qatar.

The airline advised travelers to check their flight status online and assured that affected passengers would be notified directly via SMS and email.

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, also announced the rerouting of several flights on June 23 and 24 due to airspace restrictions over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and cautioned that further delays and disruptions were likely as the situation continued to evolve.

The airline has already suspended all flights to Tel Aviv until July 15, and clarified that transit passengers connecting to canceled destinations would not be accepted for travel from their point of origin.

The closures come amid a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, with the United States and Israel launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran targeting US assets in the Gulf. As a result, the UAE reportedly closed its airspace to all commercial traffic, forcing inbound flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to divert or enter holding patterns, and some were rerouted to airports in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Major carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia, have suspended or rerouted flights to and from affected countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, with some suspensions extended until the end of June or mid-July.

Authorities have activated emergency response plans at major UAE airports, including Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, to manage the crisis and ensure passenger safety. Travelers are strongly urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and avoid heading to airports without confirmation of their flight status.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised UAE nationals, residents, and visitors to monitor official channels for further travel guidance as the situation remains highly volatile.

A British Airways flight from Chennai to London was forced to return to Chennai International Airport mid-flight on Sunday morning after sudden airspace closures over the Middle East, triggered by escalating military tensions between the US and Iran. The flight, a Boeing 777 designated BA276, took off at 6:24 a.m. IST—nearly an hour behind schedule—with 247 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

After passing Bengaluru and cruising over the Arabian Sea, the pilots received an urgent alert that key Middle Eastern airspace had been shut down, following reported US military strikes on Iranian targets overnight. This closure made the planned flight path to London impassable.

Acting swiftly, the flight crew contacted air traffic control in both Chennai and London. Prioritizing passenger safety, authorities instructed the aircraft to return to Chennai, where it landed safely around 10:00 a.m. All 262 people aboard were unharmed. The incident caused significant disruption at the airport, with passengers initially accommodated in lounges and later in hotels across the city while the situation was assessed.

After several tense hours and once authorities confirmed the reopening of Middle Eastern airspace, the same aircraft—with all original passengers and crew—departed again from Chennai at 11:50 a.m., successfully resuming its journey to London. The episode highlights the ongoing volatility in international air travel caused by geopolitical conflicts, as several airlines continue to monitor and adjust their routes in response to regional instability

Emirates is set to expand its service to Barcelona with the introduction of a third daily flight starting October 26, 2025, responding to rising demand and enhancing connectivity between Dubai and the Catalonian capital. This new service will increase Emirates’ weekly flights to Barcelona to 21, providing greater flexibility and capacity for both business and leisure travelers.

The new flight will be operated primarily with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 354 to 360 seats, and will join the existing daily flights operated by Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The three daily departures from Dubai International Airport (DXB) are scheduled at 3:45 AM, 8:15 AM, and 2:00 PM, arriving at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) in the morning and early evening.

 Return flights from Barcelona will depart at 3:10 PM, 3:30 PM, and 8:25 PM, allowing for smooth connections to Emirates’ extensive global network.

Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant food scene, and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination. The increased flight frequency will also facilitate easier onward travel to key destinations in Asia and the Indian Ocean region, including the Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Emirates aims to optimize the new schedule to reduce layover times in Dubai, enabling passengers to connect efficiently to onward flights, such as afternoon departures to the Maldives arriving the same evening.
Emirates currently operates 28 weekly flights to Spain, split evenly between Madrid and Barcelona, with seven Barcelona flights extending to Mexico City, offering convenient transatlantic connections.

The third daily flight will mark the largest seat capacity ever offered on the Dubai-Barcelona route since Emirates launched the service.

Passengers can book tickets through emirates.com, the Emirates App, authorized travel agents, and Emirates retail stores. Emirates releases its tickets continually, up to 340 days before departure, so travelers looking to secure the best fares or reward seats should book early to maximize availability and savings.

In addition to expanding flight services, Emirates has recently partnered with Uber to enhance the travel experience. Frequent Uber riders in select markets can earn Emirates Skywards miles, which can be redeemed for discounted flights and other benefits. Conversely, Emirates customers booking flights may receive Uber ride vouchers, facilitating smoother and more affordable airport transfers.

This partnership aims to create a seamless journey from doorstep to destination, rewarding customers both on the ground and in the air[Memory].

Overall, the new third daily flight to Barcelona strengthens Emirates’ position as a key connector between Spain and the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, catering to increasing travel demand and offering passengers enhanced convenience and choice.

Finnair has suspended all flights to Doha from June 19 to June 23, 2025, with flight AY1982 on June 24 also cancelled, as a direct response to heightened security risks in the Middle East. The airline’s decision follows a comprehensive risk assessment of regional airspace, particularly over Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Israel.

 This comes after Finnair had already begun rerouting flights to avoid these areas, which increased flight times by about an hour and ultimately contributed to the suspension of the route.

Approximately 2,700 passengers are affected by the disruption, which impacts Finnair’s daily Helsinki-Doha service a key route for connections to Asia, Africa, and Oceania through its partnership with Qatar Airways. Finnair has assured customers that all affected passengers are being contacted directly via SMS and email. The airline is offering rebooking on alternative flights or refunds, though it warns that limited availability may mean rebooking takes longer than usual.

The suspension reflects a broader trend among international carriers to avoid airspace deemed high risk, especially as the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated in recent weeks. The escalation of hostilities, including strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory missile launches, has led to widespread airspace closures and forced airlines to adapt quickly to evolving threats.

Finnair is also avoiding Israeli and Iranian airspace until further notice and has suspended operations in Ukrainian airspace, highlighting the widespread impact of geopolitical instability on its network.

This latest disruption follows a series of operational challenges for Finnair in 2025, including significant flight cancellations in late May and early June due to strikes by ground handling staff. These labor disputes have compounded the airline’s operational difficulties, resulting in the highest proportion of flight cancellations among European carriers so far this year.

Finnair’s strategic cooperation with Qatar Airways, established in 2022, has already undergone changes, with the suspension of routes between Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Doha earlier in 2025. The current suspension leaves only the Helsinki-Doha flights operated by Finnair, further underscoring the fragility of international air links amid ongoing regional and operational challenges.

The airline has stated that it will reassess the situation after Midsummer, on June 23, and continues to closely monitor developments, working with authorities and partners to determine when flights can safely resume. Finnair emphasizes that passenger safety and operational security remain its highest priorities as it navigates these unprecedented disruptions.