Niue Call
Hague Convention on Legalization of Foreign Public Documents
ZACATECAS: Calle Sabino No. 114 Fracc., La Penuela, 98060 Zacatecas, Zac., tel: 492-42318, fax: 492-42318 ... A. The document must be authenticated for use abroad. This is also called legalization of the document. Authentication means that a seal is placed on the document which will be recognized in the foreign country where the document will be used. ... [Read More]
Foreign Entry Requirements
AUSTRALIA - *Passport, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or non-electronic label visa, proof of onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds are required. An ETA or non-electronic label visa is required for tourist or business stays of up to 3 months. An ETA is an electronically stored authority to travel to Australia and can be obtained online at www.ETA.immi.gov.au or through participating travel agencies or airlines. Minors not accompanied by a parent or traveling with only one parent need notarized written parental consent from the absent parent(s). AIDS test required for permanent resident visa for applicants age 15 and older; tests taken in the U.S. are acceptable. More information about entry requirements to Australia (including for longer stays) is available on the Embassy of Aus ... [Read More]
M) Money Laundering and Financial Crimes
On August 1, 2000, the Netherlands Antilles Asset Seizure Law became effective. This law allows a public prosecutor to seize the proceeds of any crime once the crime is proven in a court of law. Unusual transactions by law are reported to the financial intelligence unit called the Netherlands Antilles Reporting Center, Meldpunt Ongebruikelijke Transacties (MOT NA). During 2001, the MOT NA had a fluctuating staff of two to four. The MOT NA received 7,700 unusual transaction reports, and despite the small staff the unit analyzed and passed 800 unusual transaction reports to authorities. The staff at the MOT NA continues to work diligently to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their reporting system. New software has been developed to enable institutions to send reports to the MOT NA electronically. ... [Read More]
New Zealand (09/04)
The Maori gradually recovered from population decline and, through interaction and intermarriage with settlers and missionaries, adopted much of European culture. In recent decades, Maori have become increasingly urbanized and have become more politically active and culturally assertive. ... New Zealand welcomes and encourages foreign investment without discrimination. The Overseas Investment Commission (OIC) must give consent to foreign investments that would control 25% of more of businesses or property worth more than NZ$50 million, although the government has proposed raising that threshold to NZ$100 million. Restrictions and approval requirements also apply to certain investments in land and in the commercial fishing industry. OIC consent is based on a national interest determination. While no performance requirements are currently attached to foreign direct investment after consent is given, the government has proposed requiring foreign buyers of land to report periodically on their compliance with the terms of the consent. Full remittance of profits and capital is permitted through normal banking channels. ... [Read More]
Background Notes Archive - East Asia and the Pacific
Background Notes: New Zealand, October 1998Released by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsU.S. Department of StateOFFICIAL NAME: New ZealandPROFILEGeographyArea: 270,534 sq. km. (104,440 sq. mi.); about the size of Colorado. Cities: (1997) Capital--Wellington (345,000). Other cities--Auckland (1,057,000), Christchurch (337,000), Hamilton (164,000). Terrain: Highly varied, from snow-capped mountains to lowland plains. Climate: Temperate to subtropical. PeopleNationality: Noun--New Zealander(s). Adjective--New Zealand. Population (1997): est. 3.7 million. Annual growth rate: (1997) 1.1%. Ethnic groups: European 75%, Maori 14.5%, other Polynesian 5.6%. Religions: Anglican 22%, Presbyterian 16%, Roman Catholic 15%. Languages: English, Maori. Education: Years compulsory--ages 6-16. Attendance--100%. Literacy--99%. Health: (1996) Infant mortality rate--7.3/1,000. Life expectancy (1996)--males 73 yrs., females 79 yrs. Work force (1996) 1.6 million: Services and governm ... [Read More]
Other Multi-Lateral Organizations & Programs
The GPML’s Mentor Programme is one of the most successful and well-known activities of international AML/CTF technical assistance and training, and is increasingly serving as a model for other organizations’ initiatives. It is one of the core activities of the GPML technical assistance program. In 2003, GPML consolidated the program, providing on-the-job training that adapts international standards to specific local/national situations, rather than traditional, generic training seminars. The concept originated in response to repeated requests from Member States for longer-term international assistance in this technically demanding and rapidly evolving field. GPML provides experienced prosecutors and law enforcement personnel who work side-by-side with their counterparts in a target country for several months at a time on daily operational matters to help develop capacity. Some advise governments on legislation and policy, while others focus on operating procedures. Regiona ... [Read More]
Money Laundering and Financial Crimes
(1) As DEA also points out, "In some cases, the agent (business) may represent a variety of remittance companies. When this is the case, the agent may suggest dividing the deposit, sending a portion with each of the represented businesses (companies). Thus, detection is increasingly challenging."Federal authorities at the conference also highlighted the recent growth of smaller independent remitters (beyond the more established Western Union and MoneyGram systems), particularly of those providing service to and from Mexico. DEA reported that although these remitters provide important legitimate services to migrant worker populations, the location of these businesses, "do not necessarily parallel the employment centers for these laborers. Rather, it appears that the agent locations are primarily located in states without regulations governing the money services industry." ... [Read More]
Foreign Entry Requirements
COLOMBIA - *Passport and proof of onward/return ticket required for tourist stay of up to 180 days. Upon arrival the Colombian Immigration authority stamps a stay authorization, normally no longer than 90 days (extendible up to 180 days.) Minors (under 18), who are traveling alone, with one parent or with a third party must present a copy of their birth certificate and written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This document must be notarized before a Colombian consular officer in the United States. Visa must be obtained before arrival for persons planning to do business, tempo ... [Read More]
Country Reports: N-Z
The current staff of the MOT NA continues to work diligently to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its reporting system. In 2003, the MOT NA staff doubled to 10. Significant progress has been made in automating suspicious activity reporting; in 2002 reporting institutions sent 99.2 percent of their reports to the MOT NA electronically. One hundred percent of the submissions is now done on-line, and soon most of the matches with external databases will be done electronically. The Netherlands is reported to be the most significant source of suspicious transactions. Of note is national accounts information indicating that over the past few years, family remissions transfers from the Netherlands have surged from negative to positive. Analysis is required to determine if the source is illicit activities. The MOT NA transmits information electronically to the police. During 2003, there was an increase in information requests from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The MOT ... [Read More]
Country Reports: N-Z
Namibia Namibia is not a regional financial center. In addition to its Central Bank, Namibia has four commercial banks. Of particular concern in Namibia is the smuggling of precious minerals and gems, the proceeds of which Namibian authorities think may be laundered through Namibian financial institutions. In November of 2004, Namibia criminalized money laundering with passage of the Prevention of Organized Crime Bill. The new law requires both bank and non-bank financial institutions to report suspicious transactions to the Central Bank and provide relevant documents and other information to government authorities for use in criminal investigations. Non-bank financial institutions, such as private pension funds, the stock exchange, and investment companies, were previously ... [Read More]
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