Work - Expat News

Work - Expat Magazine

Spain

AI, healthcare and construction lead hiring in Spain

Thinking about moving to Spain for work? With economic growth projected at +2.5% in 2025 (according to the OECD), the country is positioning itself as an attractive destination for international talent. Here is a closer look at the sectors and professions expected to offer the strongest opportunities this year.

What is mini-retirement, and why Gen Z is embracing it

No, this is not the latest viral TikTok challenge. The mini-retirement, or micro-retirement, is emerging as a genuine solution to the deep-seated problems facing young workers, and not just them. Mental health preservation is on everyone's mind, as geopolitical and economic tensions ripple through the international job market. What if it were time to take a break?

Greece

300,000 unfilled jobs: Greece ramps up foreign worker recruitment

In 2025, Greece issued over 80,000 visas for non-European workers, while nearly 300,000 jobs remained unfilled. In February 2026, the Greek Parliament is preparing to welcome "tens of thousands" of expatriate workers from South and Southeast Asia. The goal remains the same as in 2025: tackling labor shortages.

How to mentally prepare for your international career

Recent changes in the international job market are leading expats and future expats to reassess their career choices. Should you stay on the path you originally chose, or is it time for a career change? How should you approach your international career today? Before taking the leap, it's important to take stock of where you stand. Here's some practical advice.

Remote work rollback: How it impacts expats

The era of "work from anywhere" may be coming to an end, or at least, entering a new chapter. Since the COVID-19 pandemic turned remote work from a rare perk into a global norm, millions of professionals have redesigned their lives around the freedom to work from any location. For many expats, this flexibility was a game-changer, enabling them to live abroad while keeping a job back home. But in recent months, a growing number of employers and governments have begun tightening the reins, rolling back remote work policies and calling employees back to the office. From Canada to Australia, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, the trend is clear, and for the global expat community, the implications could be significant.

Why “Be yourself” is terrible advice for expats

Authenticity has become one of the most important values in modern life, and for all good reasons. And these kinds of values and trends tend to spread very quickly and strongly among expats, across geographies. However, these trends, when not put in the right context, are actually eroding influence and confidence in expats' lives. At this point, “Just be Yourself” is a perfect example.

Malaysia

Malaysia doubles minimum salary requirement for expats in 2026

Malaysia has adopted a new reform that will significantly raise the minimum salary required to employ foreign workers. The government is also introducing additional measures to better regulate expatriate hiring.

Oman

Oman bans expats from over 200 jobs

Oman is expanding its Omanization policy, which aims to prioritize local employment. The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that more than 200 additional roles are now closed to foreign workers.

Do you need a master's degree or just skills to work abroad?

Master's degrees, MBAs, PhDs… These qualifications are often seen as a fast track to an international career. But as career paths become less linear, the real value of a degree is increasingly questioned. Is an advanced academic route still the best option, or do employers abroad care more about hands-on experience and job-ready skills, especially intercultural ones? For anyone aiming to work internationally, these questions are now shaping what it takes to build a truly borderless career.

England

UK to prioritize British graduates for NHS jobs

The UK government plans to prioritize British nationals for NHS (National Health Service) roles. Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the move is intended to put the system back on track after what he called the previous government's “catastrophic” handling of the NHS.

New trends redefining international careers in 2026

Slow working, slow management and workations have already rewritten the rules in the past years. In 2026, the international job market is evolving once again. So which trends are fading, and which ones are becoming essential?

Maternity leave for expat women: What are your legal rights?

After the joy of announcing a pregnancy comes a key question: how will it all work out? When you are preparing to look for a job abroad, the arrival of a baby may come as a surprise, even if parenthood was already part of your plans. That surprise often turns into uncertainty when the pregnancy takes place overseas. What does the law in the host country say? How can you make sure your rights are respected?

Why office naps are a cultural norm in some countries

In 2026, office napping is being rediscovered as a workplace trend, mainly in countries where it has never truly taken root. In other parts of the world, however, napping has long been seen as more than a pause in the day: it is a practical habit with lasting benefits.

Shy or introverted? You can still succeed abroad

The image of the so-called “super expat” still causes significant damage. Constantly hearing stories of outgoing expats who have built successful careers abroad can make it seem as though extraversion is a requirement imposed by host countries. Of course, this is not the case. Discretion, introversion or shyness do not prevent ambition, nor do they stop people from taking their chances abroad. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

From office naps to pets at work: Unusual workplace trends

Working from home, flexible hours, and redesigned office spaces have become part of everyday working life and no longer raise eyebrows. But some companies are going even further, experimenting with increasingly original, sometimes surprising, workplace practices. While these initiatives may seem amusing or trivial to some, others see them as having a real impact on employee well-being. So what are these unusual new trends shaping the world of work?

Moving abroad in 2026? Here's what you should expect

Where will expat trends move in 2026? With the new year underway, it's time to look back at the shifts that defined global mobility in 2025. What lessons stand out—and what lies ahead for expats in 2026?

Global shortage of social workers: Where demand is rising

International organizations warn that the world is running short of social workers. Demand continues to climb as social and geopolitical tensions intensify across many countries. But the root of the problem often comes down to funding: the need for qualified professionals is growing, yet government budget cuts make it harder to recruit and retain them. This article takes a closer look at a profession under mounting global pressure.

Retiring as an expat: Will your international career count?

It's probably not the first thing you think about. When starting an international career, you're focused on growing your skills, gaining experience, and building stability, not on your future pension. Still, it's worth asking: will the years you've worked abroad actually count toward your retirement?