Palau’s Immigration crackdown raises concerns over oversight and economic impact
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr signed Presidential Directive No. 24-65 on Wednesday, December 18, instituting immigration controls for a 90-day period in an effort to combat criminal activity linked to foreign
Jetstar launches Sydney-Vanuatu service, and Qantas now flying to Palau
Jetstar has launched its first direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu, offering up to four weekly services and connecting travellers to the South Pacific Island nation with more than 80,000 seats annually.
Palauan youth allege human rights violations by US military
Guam-based international law firm Blue Ocean Law has filed a submission to two United Nations independent human rights experts detailing human rights violations they say are caused by the United States’ ongoing
Palau’s Pres Whipps to retain cabinet
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has announced plans to retain his current CabinetMinisters in his upcoming administration, with Vice President-elect Raynold “Arnold”Oilouch slated to lead the Ministry of
Palau says China ICBM test a ‘direct threat’, seeks U.S Patriot missile system
Palau’s re-elected President Surangel Whipps said on Tuesday he may ask the United States for a Patriot missile defence system, citing a recent Chinese missile
Whipps wins second term in a commanding victory
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. has clinched another term in office, decisively defeating former President Tommy E. Remengesau
Pacific island Palau says China is pressing for Taiwan switch
The leader of one of Taiwan’s last diplomatic allies in the Pacific said his nation is under increasing pressure from China to end its support for
Qantas gets Palau route as Australia strengthens Pacific ties
Qantas will fly passengers from Brisbane to Palau's capital Koror, as part of an Australian government-supported push to boost aviation and
United Airlines to launch direct flights from Japan to Palau
United Airlines announced plans to introduce a year-round, nonstop service between Tokyo/Narita and Koror, Palau, starting in May
‘Not sitting on our laurels’, says Pacific Ocean Commissioner Manoni
Pacific Ocean Commissioner Filimon Manoni asserts that Pacific Island countries and territories have not been “sitting on our laurels” when stewarding the health and protection of the region's vast ocean and marine
Palau prepares to host 2025 Pacific Mini Games
Palau is making preparations to host the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, scheduled from 30 June to 09 July 2025. In an interview, Frank Kyota, President of the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), outlined the country’s
Palau signs FY 2025 Budget Act, averting government shutdown
The Palau national government avoided a shutdown with the signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 Unified Budget Act on 30 September
Living costs take centre stage in Palau debate
Palau’s Presidential hopefuls debated this month before a live and online audience in Koror in a much more Pacific
The “Palauan Dream”
Palau’s tourism industry may be slowly recovering, but there are concerns that its young people are not participating in the
Palau’s ancient builders
A project to understand and map Palau’s ‘green pyramids’, is bringing attention to a largely unknown period of early
Palau election commission affirms Remengesau’s eligibility for Presidential run
Former Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr is eligible to run again for the Office of the President, according to a legal opinion from the Attorney General provided to the Election Commission (PEC). The
Palau’s 2024 presidential election: A close contest
Palau’s presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive in Palau’s recent history. On 05 November, two prominent political figures—who also happen to be brothers-in-law—will face off for
Opinion: Travel recovery in the Pacific: worrying signs
As the pandemic recedes and gradually fades from people’s memories, travel in the Pacific is rebounding. However, the Pacific’s travel recovery is highly variable. Comparing visitor arrivals in 2023 with those in
PRF expresses grave concerns following discovery of needles and syringes amidst rising drug cases
PRF Expresses Grave Concerns Following Discovery of Needles and Syringes Amidst Rising Drug Cases Amidst the rise in drug cases in Fiji, Pacific Recycling Foundation is issuing an urgent appeal, expressing deep concern
Palau’s President proposes $3.4M Supplemental Budget to address healthcare shortfall
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has submitted a US$3.4 million supplemental budget proposal to Olbiil era Kelulau for consideration. The proposal allocates US$3.4 million and appropriates US$2.7 million. In his
Palau considers expanding fishing zone in marine sanctuary
The Palau government, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment (MAFE), is proposing changes to the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) that would significantly increase the area allowed for
Palau’s second submarine cable faces delay
The activation of Palau’s second submarine cable connection, linking the island nation to the Echo Submarine Cable Project between Singapore and the United States, has been delayed. The cable, originally slated for
Palau minimum wage to increase to US$4.25 in October
Palau’s minimum wage will rise from US$3.50 to US$4.25 per hour, effective 01 October 2024. The increase was passed as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Supplemental Budget bill, signed into law by President
