From its earliest days, AGS was built around strong family values, a deep commitment to people and a determination to provide clients with a trusted and high-quality service. Sarah played an important role in nurturing these values and in helping shape the family spirit that remains an integral part of AGS Worldwide Movers today.

Following Sarah’s passing, we have been deeply touched by the many messages of condolences and tributes received from our partners, industry associations, customers, colleagues and friends around the world.

These heartfelt messages reflect the respect and affection Sarah inspired throughout her life, as well as the enduring relationships she helped build. They are also a testament to the lasting impact she had on the people and communities around her.

On behalf of the Taïeb and Castro families, and everyone across AGS we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have taken the time to honour Sarah Taïeb’s memory.

Your words of kindness, friendship and support have brought great comfort during this difficult time. They are a reminder of the values Sarah Taïeb embodied throughout her life: trust, dignity, commitment to people and a strong sense of family.

We are honoured to share below some of the tributes and messages of condolence received from organisations and partners within our international community.

Messages of Condolence and Tributes

• FIDI Global Alliance – Obituary: Sarah Taïeb
• LACMA – Memorium: Sarah Taïeb
• IAM- Madame Sarah Taïeb

“Administrative procedures in Laos are demanding and far more complex than in France. This is precisely where AGS’s added value lies: rigorous project management on the ground by an experienced team facilitating the procedure,” he says.

Tangible deliverables

The service equips the client with the essentials for doing business in Cambodia:

• A company registration number (equivalent to SIRET/VAT registration in France);
• A bank account with validation of the initial capital by the Bank of Laos (BOL);
• Business licence(s), depending on the number of business activities; and
• Mandatory declarations to the Social Security authorities and the Tax Office.

Local legal and administrative experts handle all the legal procedures involved. AGS facilitates the process from start to finish through hands-on project management: overseeing schedules, anticipating delays and coordinating every requirement. Clients retain full legal and operational independence, while being fully compliant with Laotian regulations.

The advantages of on-the-ground support

For an entrepreneur not yet in Laos, partnering with AGS provides:

• A single, centralised French- and English-speaking point of contact;
• Transparent, competitive tendering for quotes from certified local law firms;
• Adherence to a strict schedule and regular written reports
• A digital platform offering real-time monitoring and full visibility throughout the entire process.

Introducing the Entrepreneur Launch Package

The new service is the cornerstone of a comprehensive new solution designed for business leaders, investors and executives wanting to enter the Laotian market. Called the Entrepreneur Launch package it is designed specifically for those who need to establish both their business and their personal lives in Laos – simultaneously, efficiently and in compliance with local regulations.

The Entrepreneur Launch package covers three areas:

• Setting up a business: administrative coordination of registration, monitoring of licences, and guidance on shareholding structures, capital requirements and structuring options.
• Immigration and mobility: management of work permits, assistance with visas and residence permits, and monitoring of renewals (visas valid for at least one year).
• Settling in: guidance on the local area, assistance finding accommodation and schools, and day-to-day banking and administrative support.

For Denis Chabassier, the package is another way he can put on-the-ground presence and experience of doing business in Laos to work for his clients: “Delivering global service with local expertise is a defining feature of the AGS brand. It’s ideal for global mobility, but equally suited to supporting companies as they expand into new markets.”

This view is shared by many of Denis’s colleagues. Several of the group’s senior executives are also active members of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF).

Let’s talk about your project

Considering Cambodia as the next destination for yourself, your business, or both? The AGS Laos team is available to answer your questions!

AGS Laos – Denis Chabassier, Branch Manager

+856 20 52 04 17 83

denis.chabassier@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Asia – Hélène Sini, Head of Relocation and Immigration Services

+66 (0)62 232 4355

helene.sini-ext@ags-globalsolutions.com

Why South Africans Are Choosing Portugal

 
Portugal offers an attractive lifestyle with a lower cost of living than many European countries. It is also consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, making it a popular choice for families, professionals, and retirees seeking peace of mind and a better quality of life.

The country’s relaxed pace of life, welcoming communities, and growing South African expat network make settling in easier for newcomers looking to build a home away from home.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

 
Algarve

Known for its golden beaches, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and year-round sunshine, the Algarve remains a favourite destination for expats seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Lisbon

Portugal’s vibrant capital combines historic charm with modern living. From its iconic yellow trams and breathtaking viewpoints to its world-famous pastel de nata custard tarts, Lisbon offers a rich cultural experience and excellent career opportunities.

Silver Coast

Stretching north from Lisbon, the Silver Coast offers more affordable housing while still providing easy access to the capital. The area has become increasingly popular among South African expats, with specialty stores and butchers offering familiar tastes from home.

What to Do in Portugal

 
One of the joys of living in Portugal is immersing yourself in its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Explore the Fairytale Palace of Pena
 

 
Perched high above the town of Sintra, the colourful Palácio da Pena is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Visible from Lisbon on a clear day, this national monument attracts visitors from around the world with its romantic architecture and storybook appearance.

Experience Authentic Fado Music

Fado is at the heart of Portuguese culture. Enjoy an authentic evening at SR Vinho, where soulful singers accompanied by traditional Portuguese guitar perform emotional ballads while guests enjoy local dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod) and octopus à lagareiro (fried octopus).

Wander Through Medieval Óbidos
 

 
Step back in time as you stroll through the cobbled streets of Óbidos, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Before you leave, sample a glass of ginjinha, a traditional sour-cherry liqueur often served in an edible chocolate cup.

Cruise Through the Douro Valley

Discover one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions in the stunning Douro Valley. A cruise aboard a traditional rabelo boat offers spectacular views of the vineyards while providing insight into the history of Portugal’s famous Port wine industry.

Understanding Portuguese Culture

 
Portuguese culture revolves around family, community, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Meals are often long social occasions, with lunches and dinners stretching well into the evening.

While English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas, learning basic Portuguese can help you integrate more easily, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions.

Unlike some of their European neighbours, the Portuguese tend to embrace a slower pace of life, valuing meaningful conversations, good food, and quality time with loved ones.

AGS Movers Makes Your Move Easier

 
It’s important to choose a reputable international moving company to ensure every step of the process goes seamlessly. We offer a helping hand through carefully packing your belongings to providing secure storage facilities for belongings you may not be ready to move immediately.

With AGS your move will be stress-free, and you’ll be able to focus on creating new memories and exploring Portugal effortlessly.

Ready to move to Portugal? Get a free moving quote. Or contact us to learn more.

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AGS Middle East: Reopening of Bookings to Upper Gulf locations

New MSC multimodal service to upper Gulf: Europe – Red Sea – Middle East Express

Hapag-Lloyd mulitmodal route to upper Gulf

Current trends in sea and air freight – and why your network matters

You’d have to go back to 2021/22 to find sea freight rates trending as aggressively upward as they have over the past month. According to Xeneta, container spot rates are up an average of 34.2% since the end of February, and that’s before accounting for the eye-watering increases on Middle East corridors.

As industry veterans know, periods like this are a stress test: for supply chains, for carriers, and for the relationships that underpin the international moving sector.

From the Gulf to the globe: how we got here

Shrinking quote validity windows, surcharge flurries, rates that spike week over week – in many ways the impact of the conflict feels like Covid all over again. But where the pandemic increase was demand-driven, the reasons for the current surge are structural.

Cape rerouting is now priced into 2026 rates by default, a clear sign that shipping lines don’t expect to transit the Suez Canal any time soon. To offset the rising oil price, they also implemented emergency fuel surcharges (EFS) across all lanes at the end of March.

The effect of these was immediate, with even the Northern Europe–US East Coast corridor – normally among the most stable – recording successive weekly increases of approximately 20%.

Air freight rates have likewise risen sharply on the back of increased demand, constrained capacity, and higher fuel costs.

South and Southeast Asia have been worst affected. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways handle approximately 50% of cargo for these regions, and the reduced capacity has increased spot rates by 50-100% since the end of February.  Equally Gulf-carrier reliant, Africa’s capacity to Europe is down 40% and rates up 20% for the same period.

In complex conditions, relationships move cargo

During the pandemic, overflow sea demand was partly absorbed by air cargo, carriers invested in additional vessels, and ultimately the market corrected. In 2026, air capacity is already strained, and the industry has no influence on the oil price.

It’s precisely when conditions are this difficult that being part of a trusted international community stops being an intangible benefit and starts being a measurable one.

It is our trusted and long-standing relationships with you that allow us to identify optimal routing options, flag rate windows, and move quickly when opportunities arise. In turn, we put the global AGS network – and the extensive expertise of our many local teams – at your disposal.

If you’re facing a logistical dilemma without an apparent solution, please reach out to your AGS contact to see what they can do. In these challenging times, solidarity is fundamental to our industry’s success.

The Middle East impact: AGS network COOs report

Shaped by geography, trade routes, and local infrastructure, the effects of the crisis are being experienced differently in every market. Our Network COOs share their real-time views from the ground.

Asia – COO Clement Fagon

Gulf-bound shipments are being discharged in the transshipment hubs of Malaysia and Singapore, but unable to travel onward, are remaining in port. This has resulted in major congestion.

North Asian ports are also congested, although to a lesser degree – mainly due to vessel bunching, as Cape rerouting has disrupted arrival schedules.

India – COO Zia Husain

Vessels diverted away from Middle Eastern ports are being discharged at the ports of Nava Sheva and Mundra, resulting in congestion and consequently delays in berthing and cargo handling.

Extended transit times are creating additional transshipment risks, including cargo rollovers, extra handling, and missed connections. This creates uncertainty in final delivery schedules and overall planning, which is compounded by last-minute operational changes and delays in confirmation from shipping lines.
 

Europe – COO Elliot McMahon

The ports of Rotterdam and Hamburg are experiencing severe congestion as Cape-rerouted vessels arrive in clusters.

Truck capacity to inland distribution points is tightening due to reduced arrival windows. Hamburg is now restricting truck deliveries to 2.5 days before ETA on some vessels.  

Antwerp remains a key transshipment hub for feeder services into Eastern and Central Europe and any congestion here feeds into inland timelines.
 

Africa – COO Thomas de Mallmann

Southern Africa
Cape Town has recorded a 112% surge in diverted vessels since early March 2026. Durban is handling 94 vessels/day (+35%), with the Durban–Johannesburg–Zimbabwe corridor at critical congestion levels.  

East Africa 
Mombasa and Dar es Salaam have emerged as alternative discharge ports following the closure of Jebel Ali. The Mombasa–Nairobi–Kampala–Kigali corridor is under critical pressure, and South Sudan has formally rerouted cargo to Dar es Salaam — though congestion there is comparably severe. Container evacuation to Inland Container Depots now takes 10–14 days, and demurrage charges have risen significantly.

West Africa 
Vessel bunching from Cape rerouting is disrupting port approaches. Late-arriving vessels must queue behind on-schedule calls and are discharged subject to berth availability.

North Africa 
With the Suez Canal effectively closed, Egyptian port traffic and canal revenues are down approximately 50%. The Moroccan port of Tangier-Medina is actively managing capacity to absorb additional traffic from Cape-routed vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar en route to Northern Europe.

They are equipped to ensure:

• The safety of operations,
• The protection of your belongings,
• The quality of service you expect from AGS.

We know that uncertainty can be a source of concern for you, your teams, your families, and your activities. Our staff on the ground are ready to answer your questions and support you, with renewed attention to your safety, your peace of mind, and the continuity of your business.

Please see their contact details below.

Understanding the current situation

The region is experiencing a period of instability that requires certain logistical adjustments. As of today:

• Air connections remain open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
• while other countries are experiencing temporary suspensions depending on local developments.
• Oman plays a key role as a stable logistics hub, where we have our own warehouse, allowing us to receive, store, and redistribute goods across the Gulf.

We are monitoring the situation very closely to adapt our solutions, always with the objective of providing you with the smoothest possible continuity.

Concrete measures implemented to support you

Strengthening our logistics and storage capacities

• Additional capacity secured in our regional warehouses.
• Temporary storage solutions for families who may need to leave their country of residence quickly.

Continuity of operations & alternative solutions

• Maintenance of all our operations on the ground, including VIRTUAL SURVEYS to assist you quickly, efficiently, and safely.
• Daily monitoring of our teams to provide continuous visibility.
• Activation of alternative plans via Oman when necessary, to ensure the safe transfer of your belongings.

Adapted insurance solutions and enhanced support

• Possibility of subscribing to an additional “war risk” insurance through a dedicated quotation, to strengthen your level of protection according to your situation.
• Possibility for us to handle administrative tasks (for example: lease termination, bank account closure, etc.)

Clear information & reinforced coordination

• Implementation of daily operational reporting to guarantee reliable and up-to-date information.
• Continuous coordination among all our Gulf teams to streamline every step.

We are here to listen and support you

We understand that every person, every family, and every organisation is experiencing this period differently. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual contacts or our local teams: we are here to listen, tailor our solutions to your needs, and support you with care and understanding.

AGS United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
Ashley LUFF
+971 52 207 3165
ashley.luff@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Bahrain
Muzamil MOHAMED
+973 3200 1943
muzamil.mohamed@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Kuwait
Faizi ALI
+965 6641 8972
faizi.ali@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Oman
Marcus MAGUIRE
+968 9514 0934
marcus.maguire@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Qatar
Walid OMAR
+974 4038 4540
walid.omar@ags-globalsolutions.com

Food historians trace shakshuka to North Africa, with strong links to Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria. The word “shakshuka” is thought to come from Maghrebi Arabic, roughly meaning “a mixture” or “all mixed up”. That simple name reflects the dish’s rustic, home-style nature.

Over time, shakshuka travelled to the Middle East, becoming strongly associated with breakfast and lunch. Regional variations developed, including versions with feta, aubergine or spinach, and in recent years, it has steadily gained popularity in cafés and restaurants.
 

What to expect

Gently poached eggs in a slow-simmered sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onion and garlic, seasoned with warming spices such as cumin, paprika and chilli. The sauce is rich and aromatic, while the eggs add a silky, comforting contrast. Served straight from the pan with crusty bread for dipping – hearty and deeply satisfying.
 

Why people love it

Shakshuka conjures deep flavour from affordable kitchen staples in just 30 minutes. Moreover, it’s made for bringing people together. The ingredients are combined in a single pan – preferably a cast-iron skillet – which is placed in the centre of the table. Diners serve themselves, using warm pita bread or crusty sourdough to soak up that incredible sauce.
 

When is it eaten?

Traditionally, shakshuka is a breakfast or brunch dish, but it works just as well for a quick supper. It is hearty without feeling heavy, which is part of its appeal.
 

The secret to getting it right

Let the tomato sauce simmer until it thickens and deepens in colour before adding the eggs. A well-reduced base makes all the difference to the final flavour and texture.

⏱️ Make Your Own in 30 Minutes
 
Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chilli flakes or harissa, to taste
• 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 eggs
• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
• Crusty bread or flatbread, to serve

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika and chilli. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Season well, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the whites are set and yolks remain soft.
5. Remove from heat, finish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with bread for dipping.

A simple dish with a rich history, shakshuka proves that the most memorable meals are often the ones enjoyed together.

The value of personal and household goods eligible for duty-free import under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme has increased significantly. Allowance limits are based on the duration of the importer’s stay abroad in the preceding two years:

Important: these allowances apply to items listed in eligible item list only, limited to one unit per family.

Expanded Duty-Free Item List

To reflect modern lifestyles and reduce customs ambiguity, the eligible item list now includes:

• Smart Home: robotic vacuums, air purifiers, dehumidifiers
• Kitchen: air fryers, dishwashers, electric ovens, gas ranges
• Entertainment: gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation), home theatre systems, projectors, Bluetooth speakers
• Work/Study: multifunction printers, desktop computers, tablets
• Wellness: massage chairs

Please note: drones are still excluded.

Equal Benefits for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals moving to India under the ToR scheme now explicitly receive the same duty-free allowances as Indian residents, provided they meet the stay requirements.

To qualify, expats must:

• Hold a valid visa (non-tourist).
• Intend to stay in India for at least one year (for 1-year allowance) or two years (for 2-year allowance).

Questions?

Our Head of Partner Relations and Service Delivery for India, Sujoy Dutta, is standing by to help. Please email your queries to sujoy.dutta@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Global

MSC updates UN numbers for vehicle shipments

Shipping line MSC has updated its UN numbers for vehicle shipments following the amendment of the IMDG code on 1 January 2026. The update introduces three new UN numbers to better distinguish between propulsion systems.

Important: Vehicles powered solely by lithium metal, lithium-ion, or sodium-ion batteries may no longer be classified under UN3171.

 
This classification is now exclusively reserved for vehicles powered by wet, metallic sodium, or sodium-alloy batteries installed during transport.

Asia

AGS opens in Macau

We’re pleased to share that AGS has opened a new business office in the Macau Special Administrative Region, which offers the full range of destination services:

• Moving surveys
• Packing & furniture disassembly
• All risk insurance
• Road, sea and air transport
• Customs clearance
• Short- and long-term storage
• Unpacking & furniture assembly

Please send all enquiries to: macau@ags-globalsolutions.com.

Europe

No billing changes after Bulgaria joins eurozone

Kindly note that Bulgaria’s admission into the eurozone on 1 January 2026 has not affected any of the procedures for payments made to or invoices issued by AGS Bulgaria. No adjustments are required on your part.

Africa

Egypt: ACID procedures now mandatory for air freight

Effective 1 January 2026, the Advanced Cargo Information Declaration (ACID) procedure – mandatory for sea freight to Egypt since October 2021 – is now also required for all air freight.

To avoid shipment rejection, it is vital to obtain an ACID number before dispatch. Failure to do so will result in the shipment being blocked on arrival, denied entry, and returned to origin, leading to delays, fines and additional freight costs for your account.

How to obtain an ACID number

Please email your ACID request to AGS Egypt Branch Manager renaud.bidault@ags-globalsolutions together with the following information:

• Client name: full name as per passport (no abbreviations).
• Passport copy: high-quality scan of the photo page.
• Client nationality & origin country.
• Loading details: specific seaport or airport of loading.
• Shipment details: final item count and gross weight (must match final BL/AWB).
• Destination port:
  • For sea shipments: Alexandria Old Port (Port Code: EGALY).
  • For air shipments: Cairo International Airport.

AGS Egypt will then generate the ACID number on your behalf. This requires registering the shipment on the ACID system for a fee of $75 + 14% VAT (billed back to you at cost).

How to use an ACID number

Once you receive the ACID number from AGS Egypt, send it – together with the importer/exporter tax ID number – to the shipping line/airline to secure the booking.

Ensure both numbers are clearly displayed on the BL/AWB.

All information provided must be accurate as it will be recorded in the customs system and cannot be changed after the final BL/AWB has been issued.

Port recommendations

For sea shipments, we advise using the Port of Alexandria (EGALY) as the point of entry. Shipments entering via the Port of Dekheila (EGDEK) are subject to lengthy inspections and higher costs, particularly for vehicles, which need to be transferred to Alexandria for traffic registration. This makes it only suitable for fully exempted diplomatic shipments of household goods that don’t require inspection.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact renaud.bidault@ags-globalsolutions.com or lamia.mohamed@ags-globalsolutions.com.

At its core, balaleet is made with vermicelli cooked in sugar, cardamom, saffron and rose water, giving it a fragrant sweetness. This is topped with a thin omelette, lightly seasoned with spices such as turmeric or cinnamon. The pairing of sweet noodles with savoury eggs creates a unique flavour profile that sets balaleet apart from most breakfast dishes.

Why it’s a classic

Culturally, balaleet holds strong significance in countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. It is often served for breakfast, during Eid celebrations, and at family gatherings, making it a dish closely tied to tradition and hospitality. Many families also have their own variations, passed down through generations.

What truly makes balaleet special is its simplicity paired with depth. It uses humble ingredients, yet delivers rich aromas, cultural meaning and a sense of nostalgia, reflecting the region’s history of spice trade and its love for food that brings people together.

AGS insider tip

Infuse the butter with saffron before adding the vermicelli. This releases both colour and aroma, giving the dish its signature golden hue and a depth of flavour that makes all the difference.

⏱️ Make Your Own in 30 Minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 200g vermicelli noodles
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee
• 3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp warm water
• 4 eggs
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tbsp milk
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Break the vermicelli into shorter lengths and boil in lightly salted water until just tender. Drain well.
2. Melt butter in a pan over low heat. Add saffron and let it bloom for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add vermicelli, sugar, and cardamom. Toss gently and cook for 3–4 minutes until glossy and aromatic.
4. Whisk eggs with milk, salt and turmeric. Cook into a thin omelette in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat.
5. Serve the sweet vermicelli topped with the omelette, folded or sliced.