Work - Expat News

Work - Expat Magazine

Germany: what the minimum wage and mini-job income cap raise mean for expats

In October, Germany increased the minimum wage for the third time in a single year. It also raised the income cap of mini-jobs, a form of short-term employment. These are efforts by the government to help people adapt to inflationary trends and the cost of living crisis.

These countries are experiencing brain drain: Here are the consequences

The end of the pandemic has changed many things in the international labor market. Many developed countries seek highly-qualified economic immigrants to compensate for the workforce lost due to increased mortality, border closures and the Great Resignation in the USA. On the other side, countries providing these highly-skilled immigrants are losing them through a brain drain.

France remains a top expat country despite brain drain

Although France is trying hard to boost economic immigration, its main driver of growth, it has been facing a brain drain for many years. So how does France keep on attracting international talent while the local talent is looking for greener pastures?

United States: labor shortages persist despite immigration rebound

Immigration to the United States has nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. In spite of that, some sectors, namely hospitality, construction and services, are still experiencing severe worker shortages. These sectors have historically been staffed by working-class migrants, especially from Central and South America. Some analysts say that increasing legal immigration pathways for that demographic is a solution.

Are expats a threat to youth employment?

Immigrants tend to bear the brunt of economic downturns. The health and economic crises have led to fundamental questions about the expats' place in the local workforce. In 2020, some even bet on the end of global mobility as we know it. Others pointed out the positive impact a decrease in immigration would have on the employment of young locals. But are expats really a threat to the employment of young people?

What should expats do in case of conflictual relationships at work?

Let's say you have recently been hired abroad, or you have been promoted, changed department, changed supervisors... And that everything was going fine until the day tensions began to flare between you and your supervisor. Ever since then, every day brought its share of disagreements. Either that, or they would break out without warning, at the turn of a meeting, or because of some misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

What is Ireland doing to attract more foreign health professionals?

The Health Service Executive (HSE) of Ireland, the country's public healthcare system, has announced that it will now offer relocation packages worth over €4,000 to foreign health professionals who want to move to the country. This is the latest in a series of measures to solve the labor shortage in Irish public healthcare.

Which Asian countries are benefiting from China's loss of attractivity?

China has been losing foreign investment and expat talent since 2020 when the country imposed strict lockdowns and border closures which are still ongoing in 2022. Meanwhile, in the last two years, other Asian destinations have proved themselves to offer excellent conditions for expats: Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, the Indian city of Bangalore and, to a lesser extent, Singapore.

Where will you get the best or worst sick leaves as an expat?

When you start working in a new country, you should expect the workplace culture and labor laws to be different from those in your home country. Of course, this includes laws concerning paid sick leaves. Some countries, notably Low and Scandinavian countries, have very excellent national sick leave allowances. Meanwhile, other countries, like the United States and India, leave this issue to be determined by employer-employee negotiations and individual work contracts.

Why should you work in the country where you have studied abroad?

Building your career in the country where you studied is a bit like finding a job in the company where you did your internship: it is easier, there are more advantages, and you are already integrated... In this article, we will review the concrete benefits of staying and working in the country where you studied.

Why Ireland is looking to attract more global talent

Like many countries, Ireland has been suffering from a labor shortage since the pandemic. This situation is aggravated by a rapidly aging population and a brain drain of the young Irish. In response, the government has implemented new measures to attract global talent. Why does brain gain co-exist with brain drain in Ireland, and what are the state's new measures?

How do countries benefit from selective immigration?

With the end of the pandemic in sight, countries compete to attract qualified foreigners. Canada stands out as a favorite expat destination and keeps on highlighting its immigration policies. Other countries follow suit, with new visas and policies targeting foreign talent. So why are countries focusing on selective immigration, and how does it help economies?

What's changing with Spain's amended immigration law

Here's some great news for all prospective immigrants to Spain. On August 16, the country finally passed new laws concerning immigration. Spain is currently facing a labor shortage. Some industries are particularly affected. By inviting foreign workers, the country wants to revitalize its economy. Below is an explanation of the main features of these legal amendments.

Why hybrid workers are keener on working abroad this year

The International Workplace Group (IWG) surveyed over 1000 hybrid workers about their work expectations. Nearly 60% reported that they are planning to work from anywhere around the world this year, with two-thirds saying their productivity doesn't depend on location. Since Covid, remote working and digital nomadism have soared. Hyper flexibility and workforce dispersion are becoming normalized within companies.

Is digital nomadism a threat to economies and societies?

Estonia, Croatia, Germany, Costa Rica, Cap Verde, Brazil, Ecuador, Cyprus, Mexico, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, etc. The list of countries issuing digital nomad visas keeps growing. While these new workers kept a low profile some years ago, they are now revolutionizing the labor market. Covid has propelled them, and thousands of workers are now moving abroad to combine a comfortable lifestyle with their professional careers. But who benefits from this new way of working? Locals are clenching their teeth as they face what they call “an invasion.”

English is no longer the absolute language required for moving abroad

Finance firms in Hong Kong are prioritizing the recruitment of Chinese speakers over English speakers, reports eFinancialCareers. This might come as a surprise to those who assume English to be the most important lingua franca for working abroad. As a matter of fact, the rise of strong regional economies and the localization experienced by these economies during the pandemic has increased the importance of other languages like Chinese, French and Arabic.

How to manage your career as an expat?

Canada, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, Finland, Japan, France, etc. Since last year, countries have started recruiting foreign talent again following the crisis. So if you're looking for new work opportunities abroad, here's how to build your career and grow as an expat.

Is teaching abroad a good career option for expats?

Many expatriates teach their native language in their country of residence. It is essential to have diplomas to teach in schools or institutions of any kind. Still, it is also possible to do some tutoring, and this does not require any certificate, even if it is recommended. Many learners wish to speak with a native speaker about any subject, thus learning the language and the culture, without going through theoretical courses or working on the basics in an academic way.