diversity – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Takaichi Eyes Cooperation On US Missile Defense At Summit With Trump

March 19, 2026March 18, 2026carlocarrasco

With the anticipated summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington all set, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is considering her nation’s desire to cooperate on the “Golden Dome” missile defense system of America, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering expressing Japan’s desire to cooperate on the U.S. “Golden Dome” next-generation missile defense system at her upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump, Japanese government sources said Tuesday.

The envisaged missile defense collaboration is among the expected agreements, covering various areas from the long-standing Japan-U.S. alliance to the fields of economic security and cutting-edge technology, at the summit slated for Thursday in Washington, the sources said.

Revealed by Trump in May, the Golden Dome scheme is intended to detect and destroy hypersonic missiles, which can fly at above five times the speed of sound, in outer space in mid-flight. The total costs are estimated at $175 billion.

The trajectories of hypersonic weapons are irregular and low-altitude, making them difficult to shoot down or track by radar. China, North Korea and Russia have been aggressively pursuing such arms.

In August 2023, Tokyo and Washington agreed to develop a new type of missile to intercept hypersonic weapons, with the goal of completing it by the 2030s. It is intended that Aegis destroyers of the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be equipped with the missile.

To enhance the missile defense system’s detecting and tracking capabilities, the U.S. military has been building a “satellite constellation” system that allows it to capture incoming missiles with high accuracy by linking multiple small satellites.

Japan’s Defense Ministry, which has also been conducting research on technologies necessary for detecting projectiles from outer space, is eyeing information sharing with the United States, the sources said.

During the summit talks, which will take place amid the Middle East conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, Takaichi also plans to ask Trump about purchasing crude oil produced from Alaska, according to the sources.

Japan, which relies heavily on the Middle East for its crude oil imports, has once again had its energy vulnerability exposed in the wake of the war in the region, with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting oil flows.

Takaichi and Trump, meanwhile, are expected to agree on a $100 million joint project in shipbuilding, a sector both countries are keen on enhancing amid dominance by Chinese makers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US-Japan summit this week will result in big breakthroughs with regards to defense, economics and energy? What do you hope to see happen after President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi meet in Washington? Do you think the Golden Dome missile defense project will be fully realized and operational in the years to come?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Israel Eliminates Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib

March 19, 2026March 18, 2026carlocarrasco

Esmaeil Khatib – the Minister of Intelligence of the Islamic terrorist state of Iran – was eliminated successfully by Israel which severely damaged the regime whose number of officials have been reduced even more, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz and the military confirmed the assassination.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Jerusalem Post news report. Some parts in boldface…

The IDF has assassinated Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the military both confirmed on Wednesday.

Before the assassination was confirmed, two sources gave The Jerusalem Post different indications on the likelihood of the success of the operation, which took place Tuesday night.

Khataib’s death marks the next most significant assassination in Iran since the early days of the war, other than the killing of Ali Larijani and the Basij chief on Monday night.

Khatib has been the intelligence minister since August 2021, when ultra-hardliner and former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi was elected.

When Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, and Masoud Pezeshkian succeeded him as Iranian president, he kept Khatib in his role, an unusual move given that traditionally new presidents replace top ministers with their own close associates.

Khatib seen as hardliner close to Khamenei checking Pezeshkian – However, Khatib was close to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was viewed as a hardliner who could keep Pezeshkian’s more moderate positions in check.

In addition, over the years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) started to displace aspects of the authorities and power of the intelligence ministry, causing friction and competition between the bodies.

Raisi was closer to the IRGC than former president Hassan Rouhani, and Khatib spent much of his career in the IRGC’s intelligence branch.

When Raisi moved Khatib from the IRGC to run the intelligence ministry, it also cemented some of the IRGC’s new intelligence powers.

Khamenei wanted to keep Khatib in place partially to ensure continued IRGC dominance.

Although the IRGC was viewed by Khamenei as more loyal and ideologically committed to his causes, the Post has reported that the intelligence ministry had been viewed by outside CIA and Mossad officials as far more professional and competent.

If IRGC intelligence officials might sometimes be promoted to their roles due to ideological loyalty, top intelligence ministry officials usually only achieve promotion based on outstanding spycraft.

Indeed, the elimination of Khatib is very significant and it weakens the regime even more. The regime, whose so-called new supreme leader could not even show himself living, will continue to pretend it is functioning even after losing Ali Larijani and the Basij chief prior to Khatib. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is very capable of tracking and finding Iranian regime leaders for elimination. If the Islamic terrorist proxies realize that Iran – whose entire military has been decimated already by Israel and Trump’s America – has a pretentious and smaller leadership existing, they will feel the pressure knowing they can’t keep on fighting without Iran’s support.

As for the oppressed Iranians who protested against their government, the eliminations of Khatib, Larijani and the Basic commander should embolden them to take action against the wicked regime soon.

For additional insight, watch the YouTube news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran has much fewer commanders remaining behind the scenes? Do you think their so-called new supreme leader is in a coma behind closed doors? With Khatib dead, do you think the number of Iranian soldiers and police officers will contemplate abandoning their posts to escape overseas?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani And Basij Commander Of Iran Eliminated By Israel

March 18, 2026March 20, 2026carlocarrasco

In what can be described as the most significant eliminations since that of the demonic Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani and Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Jerusalem Post news report. Some parts in boldface…

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Iran overnight, the IDF and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

Israeli confirmation of the assassination came after three separate sources confirmed to The Jerusalem Post he was targeted in what is the single most momentous targeted killing following the death of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

The military referred to Larijani as “the de facto leader of the Iranian terror regime.”

Basij commander killed along with ‘majority of leadership’ – The IDF also confirmed it had assassinated the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Basij paramilitary militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, and his deputy, Seyyed Karishi. The two were killed in a makeshift tent area, which had been set up to make it harder to follow them as opposed to in a known headquarters.

An Israeli official also confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the majority of the Basij leadership was eliminated overnight in the Israeli airstrike.

The military also announced that it killed the IRGC’s Aerospace Force chief.

Larijani was due to give public address in Iran on Tuesday – Iranian authorities stated that Larijani was due to give a public address on Tuesday, but two IDF sources expressed skepticism about his making a statement and expressed stronger optimism that the strike succeeded in killing him, before his death was announced.

After Larijani’s death was confirmed, the Mossad Farsi account posted on X/Twitter, saying “In the end, people without mercy will die.”

The Prime Minister’s Office released an image later on Tuesday, which it said captured the moment in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the order for the targeted assassinations.

Netanyahu also released a statement via video following confirmation of Larijani’s death, calling him the “boss” of the regime, whom he called a “group of gangsters.”

“We’re undermining the regime, in the hope of giving the Iranian nation the opportunity to get rid of it,” he said. “It won’t happen all at once, it won’t happen easily, but if we commit to it, we’ll be able to give them the chance to take their fates into their own hands.”

Larijani was ‘de-facto leader’ of Iran after Khamenei’s killing – Some have viewed Larijani as the man running the Iranian regime since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated by the IDF, along with Iran’s military chief, IRGC chief, defense minister, and around 40 other top officials on February 28.

Larijani has been the Islamic regime’s most public voice, responding directly to threats and comments by US President Donald Trump and others.

Whereas Mojtaba Khamenei has been technically appointed the next supreme leader, IDF and American intelligence have said he is badly wounded, and given a total lack of public appearances, doubts have been expressed about whether he is actually running the country.

Further, Larijani was promoted to run day-to-day operations for the country and all negotiations with the West over the conflict in the weeks before the war started.

Larijani, on March 1, announced that he would be heading an interim committee for running the country, given Khamenei’s death. However, just because Larijani issued such a statement does not mean that he is for sure calling the shots.

The Iranian leader has had ups and downs with Khamenei, having been an IRGC commander, speaker of parliament, and a national security council chief, but then was disqualified from running for Iranian president to pave the way for Ebrahim Raisi’s election in 2021, and was out of favor for a time.

However, in recent months, Larijani made a comeback as one of the older and still living top advisers to Khamenei, following so many top officials being killed in June 2025, and became Khamenei’s number two, running the country’s day-to-day security affairs and nuclear negotiations with the US.

If Larijani has been the number one official in Iran these last two weeks, and even if he is only one of the top few, killing or wounding him could significantly impact the overall strategic picture.

This development is the latest addition to the number of Islamic terrorist leaders Israel eliminated under the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu. With Larijani confirmed dead, one has to wonder who exactly are leading the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran and why is it their chosen so-called supreme leader – son of the demon Ali Khamenei – has not physically emerged. For additional insight, watch the YouTube news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the significance of the latest Islamic terrorist leaders of Iran will be realized soon as the war in the Middle East goes on? Who do you think is actually leading the evil regime of Iran right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Malacañang Declares March 27 A Special Non-Working Day In Las Piñas City In Celebration Of Cityhood And Founding Anniversaries

March 17, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

The City Government of Las Piñas recently announced via social media that Malacañang formally declared March 27, 2026, a special non-working day in the city in celebration of the cityhood anniversary as well as the founding anniversary.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

Malacañang declared Las Piñas Day on March 27, 2026 as a Special Non-Working Holiday. This is in conjunction with the celebration of the 119th Founding Anniversary, and 29th Cityhood Anniversary of Las Piñas. Let’s celebrate our beloved City together!

The City Government’s social media post includes an image of the official signed document from Malacañang.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? How do you plan to spend the special non-working day of March 27? Are many people in your local community aware of the history of the city’s founding and cityhood?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Japan Releases Oil Reserves

March 17, 2026March 16, 2026carlocarrasco

As expected, Japan officially started releasing yesterday its oil reserves to stabilize the distribution of petroleum products and to ensure a good supply as the war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran continues, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum products, taking the step ahead of a planned International Energy Agency-led move.

In its first oil release since 2022, when it joined an IEA coordinated effort following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Japan is initially freeing up 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector, with a month’s worth of state-held oil to follow.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the release was decided as Japan’s crude oil imports are expected to decrease significantly from late March onwards due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which many tankers traverse.

“We plan to make efforts so that (the released oil) will circulate in the market smoothly,” he said, adding the government will “continue to take every possible step to ensure the stable supply of energy, through international coordination and without ruling out any options.”

The IEA said Sunday the planned coordinated release of oil by its 32 member countries, including Japan, will “soon start.”

It said last week that the countries will make 400 million barrels of oil available to the market in response to the disruptions resulting from the Middle East conflict.

Crude oil futures have been surging amid growing prospects of a prolonged conflict, with the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract briefly topping $100 per barrel again in New York on Sunday, after a similar spike a week earlier.

The Japanese government will reduce the mandatory 70-day reserve requirement for oil refiners and trading companies under Japan’s oil stockpiling law to 55 days’ worth, allowing them to draw down their existing stocks for use.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the government’s plans to release about 80 million barrels of oil, the largest ever, equivalent to 45 days’ worth of domestic consumption and 1.8 times the amount released after the massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that devastated Japan’s northeast.

Preparations are under way to sell oil in government-held reserves to wholesalers.

As of the end of 2025, Japan held reserves of approximately 470 million barrels of oil, equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored by oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think newly released oil reserves will stabilize the Japanese market for petroleum products? Do you think the joint Israel-US campaign against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran will ultimately cause the enemy to surrender this month?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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South Korea To Adjust Visa Incentives To Attract Foreign Talent

March 15, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

South Korea is aiming high to attract more highly skilled professionals from around the world and it will soon introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, according to a news report by VnExpress. For insight, South Korea has a low birth rate and a rapid aging population.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

South Korea plans to expand eligibility for its “top-tier visa” for highly skilled foreign professionals and introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, part of broader efforts to address the country’s low birth rate and rapidly aging population.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho announced the measures at a press briefing on Tuesday, describing them as part of the government’s long-term immigration strategy looking toward the 2030s, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The top-tier visa is currently granted mainly to professionals working in eight advanced sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics. Under the revised policy, eligibility will be expanded to include professors and researchers in science and technology fields.

The Justice Ministry said it developed the “2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy” in response to declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as rapid changes in industrial and technological environments.

Authorities also plan to introduce a new visa program called the K-Core Visa (E-7-M), allowing international students graduating from Korean junior colleges to remain in the country for longer periods, The Korea Herald reported.

To address labor shortages in the care sector, the government will designate selected colleges in each region to specialize in training foreign caregivers.

The ministry also intends to launch a regional immigration package program aimed at encouraging foreign residents to live and work in areas experiencing population decline. The initiative will offer support such as employment and business information, social integration programs and childcare assistance to help foreign workers and their families settle in local communities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the authorities in South Korea are carefully with the plans they came up with to attract more skilled foreign workers? Do you think the plan will result in a huge impact on the country’s population and demographics? Do you think South Korea has enough measures to prevent illegal immigration from happening?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Trump’s America To Launch Tariff Investigations On Several Countries

March 13, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

Even as the United States is busy working alongside Israel on the war against the Islamic terrorist state of Iran, the Trump administration announced that it will launch tariff investigations on several countries including trade partners like Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The probes are meant to find out if unfair trading practices exist.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration said Wednesday it will launch tariff investigations into what it sees as unfair practices by China, Japan and over a dozen other American trading partners.

According to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the move is intended to “uncover a variety of unfair trading practices related to excess capacity in production” in the manufacturing sector, and replace Trump’s sweeping tariff regime that was invalidated by the Supreme Court in February.

“Our view is that key trading partners have developed production capacity that is really untethered from the market incentives of domestic and global demand,” Greer told reporters.

The other trading partners facing the investigations, carried out under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are the European Union, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, Greer said.

The statute, which allows the U.S. government to impose tariffs in response to a foreign country’s alleged unfair practices, was a favorite tool of Trump for justifying higher tariffs on Chinese imports when he started a trade war with Beijing during his first term as president.

After the U.S. top court on Feb. 20 struck down a large chunk of Trump’s far-reaching tariff agenda as imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, his administration introduced a new 10 percent global duty.

However, the new 10 percent surcharge, relying on a different legal framework, can only last 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.

Greer said the Trump administration seeks to complete the investigations as quickly as possible and prepare for new Section 301 tariffs within the 150-day period.

The statute requires consultations with the governments of the targeted trading partners before tariffs can be imposed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the United States is doing the right thing with the multiple trade investigations? How do you think the Trump administration will adjust its tariff policy once the 150-day period expires?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan To Release Oil Reserves As Early As March 16

March 13, 2026March 12, 2026carlocarrasco

As many countries around the world are already struggling with the economic disruptions and the spike in oil prices as a result of the ongoing chaos in the Middle East, Japan has decided to release its own oil reserves and it could happen as early as Monday (March 16), according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan will begin drawing down its oil reserves as early as next Monday to deal with a possible sharp rise in gasoline and other petroleum product prices amid the Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Takaichi told reporters on Wednesday that Japan will release 15 days’ worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month’s worth of government-held oil without waiting for a decision coordinated by the International Energy Agency.

It will be the first time Japan has released its government oil reserves individually, not in an internationally coordinated way, since the stockpiling of oil began in 1978.

Japan’s dependency on the Middle East for crude oil is “prominently high” compared with other countries and imports are expected to “significantly drop late this month or later,” necessitating measures to prevent a disruption to the supply of gasoline and other petroleum items, Takaichi said.

Citing the possibility that the average price of domestic retail gasoline could surpass 200 yen ($1.26) per liter, Takaichi also said she aims to keep the price at around 170 yen by utilizing a government fund.

The price of gasoline hit as low as 154.70 yen in mid-January but rose to 161.80 yen per liter as of Monday, according to industry ministry data.

“We will flexibly review the support measures to ensure continuous relief for the public even if the (Middle Eastern) situation is prolonged,” Takaichi said.

Japan imports more than 90 percent of its oil from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has prevented the transportation of oil and gas from suppliers in the Persian Gulf, after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran late last month.

As of the end of December, Japan had 470 million barrels of oil reserves equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption, of which 146 days’ worth were government-owned, 101 days held by the private sector, and the remainder jointly stored with oil-producing countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan made the right decision to release its oil reserves good for fifteen days? Do you think Japan will be able to find new and alternative sources of oil so that it can cut its reliance on Middle East oil?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Moves With Establishing Pre-Entry Immigration Checks And Higher Residency Fees

March 12, 2026March 10, 2026carlocarrasco

The establishment of online pre-entry immigration checks and much higher residency fees could become a reality as the Japanese government approved a bill to amend the immigration control law, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners.

The Cabinet-endorsed bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028.

The amendment includes raising the upper limit for visa application and renewal fees from 10,000 yen ($63) to 300,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1982.

The introduction of JESTA aims to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, according to the Immigration Services Agency. It would target the current 74 countries and regions whose citizens are exempt from obtaining short-stay visas.

Several days before traveling to Japan, applicants would be required to provide information online, including their name, the purpose of their stay, and the locations they intend to visit. Those suspected of traveling for illegal employment or other violations would be denied boarding on aircraft and ships.

Fees are currently set at 10,000 yen for application for permanent residency and 6,000 yen for residence period renewals.

It has been pointed out that these fees, which cover only actual costs and are also allocated to coexistence measures, are significantly lower than those in Western countries.

The number of foreign residents in Japan at the end of 2025 stood at approximately 4.13 million, a record high.

The government would aim to use the increased cap to cover system costs for efficient visa screening and the establishment of consultation services.

The amendment sets the cap at 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications and 100,000 yen for visa extensions and similar procedures.

The limits have been set in anticipation of future inflation. Going forward, the specific amounts for each fee would be determined by government ordinance with the aim of applying them within fiscal 2026.

According to sources, the permanent residency application fee is being considered at around 200,000 yen, while other fees would range from 10,000 yen to 70,000 yen depending on the intended period of stay.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the proposed changes will make a tremendous impact on immigration in Japan? Do you expect the bill to be approved this year? How far do you think Japan should go with reforming their immigration system?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Cases Of Foreign Tourists Getting Overcharged In Vietnam Increase

March 12, 2026March 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Having traveled to many destinations around the world, I am always mindful about how much money I carry, how much do products and services cost, and what exactly should I pay for. Vietnam, which attracted a record 21.2 million foreign tourists last year, has a disturbing trend of foreign tourists getting overcharged for services and products, according to a VnExpress news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Gouging tourists is giving Vietnam a bad name despite its sustained promotional efforts, insiders warn.

They want the authorities to hike fines manifold and deploy technology-based monitoring systems to prevent the insidious practice.

Chi Mai, 35, a Hanoi-based tour guide whose family has lived in the capital for three generations, says incidents of overcharging have become so common that they no longer surprise locals.

“Even residents buying 200 grams of pickled fruit in the Old Quarter without first checking the price can be charged double. It’s not surprising that foreign tourists are asked to pay four or five times.”

The repeated reports of such instances leave her disheartened, she says.

“If authorities fail to tackle this issue in a decisive manner, Vietnam’s international tourism promotion efforts will prove ineffective.”

On Feb. 24 an American tourist was charged VND1 million (US$38) for a seven-kilometer trip, 14 times the usual fare, by a motorbike-taxi driver in Hanoi. The driver admitted to the violation, apologized to the tourist and promised not to repeat the act.

Earlier cases also drew attention. In January Hanoi authorities fined a street vendor for charging two foreign tourists nearly four times the normal price of a conical hat.

In July 2025 a group of Filipino tourists were charged VND1.4 million ($53) for a taxi ride of less than 1 km, 50 times the normal fare.

Two months later an Australian family reportedly paid VND1.2 million for a cyclo trip, three times the regulated rate.

Overcharging and aggressive solicitation are not confined to Hanoi and have been reported across other tourist hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based tour operator AZA Travel, says overcharging tends to occur more frequently in destinations with large numbers of international visitors.

He recounts a personal experience in Da Nang where a taxi driver took a longer route from the airport while Dat was on a phone call. Only after he protested strongly did the driver adjust the fare.

“Even veteran tourism professionals such as tour guides and travel agency executives can fall victim to such practices, and international visitors are even more exposed,” Mai says, adding she has frequently intervened to help tourists resolve pricing disputes.

Tran Trung Hieu, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, acknowledges that gouging remains an issue, particularly in areas such as the Old Quarter and during major festivals.

Failure to publicly display prices and forcing customers to make purchases are fraudulent practices, he says.

The department has established a tourist hotline and increased security presence on pedestrian streets during weekends, he says.

“Price gouging, at worst, discourages visitors from returning.“

In Da Nang, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has formed a rapid response team to address complaints and conducts regular inspections of tourism service providers.

There are task forces to monitor commercial fraud, counterfeit goods and non-compliance with pricing regulations.

Authorities on Phu Quoc Island recently established a tourism rapid response team to protect visitors and address service-related concerns amid a tourism boom.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you were able to travel overseas over the past twelve months, were you excessively charged for a service or for a product you purchased? Does the trend of overcharging tourists in Vietnam discourage you from visiting the country? Do you think the authorities in Vietnam will be able to solve the problems?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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