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Trump Faces Hardest Iran Decision

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Trump Faces Hardest Iran Decision

US officials said dismantling Iran’s nuclear program — which Western countries say Tehran is using to seek a nuclear weapon — remained Trump’s priority.

President Donald Trump faces potentially the hardest choice of his time in the White House, as he weighs up whether the United States should join Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran.

Trump fueled speculation about a US intervention as he dashed back from a G7 summit in Canada, warning Tuesday that the United States could kill Iran’s supreme leader, but would not “for now.”

The choice is a monumental one for a president who has vowed throughout both his first and second terms in the Oval Office to get the United States out of its “forever wars” in the Middle East.

“It’s a major political and military choice that could define his legacy in the Middle East,” Behnam Ben Taleblu, director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told AFP.

As Trump met his National Security Council in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday, there were already hints that he was considering abandoning what was until recently his preferred diplomatic route.

The most likely option under consideration by Trump would be the use of giant US “bunker-buster” bombs against Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility that Israel’s bombs could not reach.

US officials said dismantling Iran’s nuclear program — which Western countries say Tehran is using to seek a nuclear weapon — remained Trump’s priority.

Trump also implied that the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is back on the table, just days after a US official said he had waved off such a move by Israel.

US officials stressed that Trump had not yet made a decision and was keeping all options on the table, with the situation fluid and changing “hourly.”

The Axios news site said Trump was even considering a new meeting between his top negotiator Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

A game-changer however would be any Iranian attack on US forces in the region, with an official saying that Trump would not tolerate a “hair on the back of an American” being harmed.

Trump’s change of tone is remarkable for coming less than a week after the US president — who has openly talked about wanting to win the Nobel Peace Prize — called on Israel to avoid strikes.

But amid frequent phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Netanyahu’s own hints about pursuing regime change in Iran, Trump has pivoted.

Trump has ordered the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the region along with a number of US military aircraft, raising questions about whether he will act.

‘Decisions on your shoulders’
A further hint that action may be on the cards came from the White House’s apparent efforts to see off any backlash from his own Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

There has been growing opposition to any Iran intervention from the isolationist wing of his base, who hold him to his pledge to keep the United States out of wars like those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Vice President JD Vance defended his boss, saying Trump had “earned some trust” on the issue and “may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian (uranium) enrichment.”

“Having seen this up close and personal, I can assure you that he is only interested in using the American military to accomplish American people’s goals,” the Iraq veteran said, in a nod to MAGA skeptics.

Trump himself meanwhile hinted at his mood as he mulled his critical decision.

He reposted a comment by US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, saying God had “spared” Trump from an assassination attempt last year.

“The decisions on your shoulders I would not want to be made by anyone else. You have many voices speaking to you Sir, but there is only ONE voice that matters. HIS voice,” Huckabee said.

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UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa

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The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.

According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.

1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.

The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.

2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.

3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.

Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.

4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.

5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.

6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.

7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child

8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.

9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.

10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.

The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.

Additional documents may be requested

The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.

For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.

Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.

 

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Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily 

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Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.

On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada

According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.

Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.

A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.

1. Job Bank

The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.

2. Jobs GC

Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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US Releases List, Photos of 5 Nigerians Popular Alleged Yahoo Boys Facing Deportation 

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The United States Government, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has updated its public register of online fraudsters (Yahoo boys) slated for deportation.

Among the list of 124 Nigerians flagged on the portal are five notorious, well-known cyber fraudsters whose identities, photographs, and criminal profiles have been officially published.

The database, known as the “Worst of the Worst” (WOW) portal, highlights some Nigerians who have been convicted of major federal crimes and are prioritised for deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Legit has collated a detailed report on the five popular Nigerian fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) who are now awaiting deportation, including a former Forbes-celebrated businessman.

1. Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Obi)

Perhaps the most famous name on the deportation list is Obinwanne Okeke, widely known as Invictus Obi. In 2016, Okeke was celebrated internationally, even making the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list of Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs.

However, his empire crumbled when the FBI arrested him for masterminding an $11 million global cyber-intrusion and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. His team successfully hacked the email systems of Unatrac Holding Limited, a heavy machinery supplier, to divert massive payments.

Okeke was sentenced to 10 years in a US federal prison in 2021. Following his release from custody, he was transferred to ICE and placed on the priority deportation list.

2. Oriyomi Aloba

Oriyomi Aloba carried out one of the most unusual cyberattacks on the list by targeting the US justice system itself. Aloba successfully hacked into the Los Angeles Superior Court computer system.

He then hijacked the court’s servers to send over 2 million malicious phishing emails to unsuspecting recipients, aiming to steal credit card details and personal identity data.

In 2019, US federal authorities sentenced him to 145 months (over 12 years) in prison. He has now been officially listed on the DHS portal for deportation to Nigeria.

3. Chibundu Anuebunwa

Chibundu Anuebunwa specialised in high-level corporate impersonation to swindle international companies. Anuebunwa was a key player in a transnational cyber fraud ring that ran a $2.5 million BEC scheme.

The crime team specialised in spoofing and hacking corporate emails to impersonate high-ranking executives, tricking companies worldwide into executing fraudulent wire transfers. He was sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in federal prison in 2023. His profile and photo are now active on the US deportation registry.

4. Quazeem Adeyinka

Quazeem Adeyinka was part of a team that exploited US government emergency funds during the global pandemic crisis.

Adeyinka participated in a wire fraud conspiracy that used stolen identities to file fraudulent claims for COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits. The scheme successfully siphoned over $2.2 million from US taxpayer-funded relief programs.

He was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison and has been marked on the priority list for deportation.

5. Olaolu Alabi

Olaolu Alabi used stolen pandemic relief and corporate fraud proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle before his arrest. Operating out of Owings Mills, Maryland, Alabi was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

He defrauded individuals and businesses of over $1.5 million using stolen identities to claim pandemic relief. Alabi personally pocketed at least $500,000, some of which he spent on a luxury trip to Hawaii for himself and his friends. He was sentenced to 66 months (5.5 years) in federal prison and is now awaiting repatriation to Nigeria on the DHS list.

While the US Government has published their names and photographs, the DHS has not released specific deportation flight dates. Under US law, each individual’s deportation will be processed systematically as they complete their prison sentences or exhaust their remaining legal options.

-Source: Legit

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