Expat news
Everyday life
Canada narrowly avoided a technical recession. The country's economic and demographic growth partly relies on immigration. However, the economic downturn, marked by the housing crisis, raises concerns among some of the population. Let's delve into the analysis.
Formalities
Will 2024, dubbed "the election year," also be a year of significant political upheavals? Democracy faces challenges once again, with the international media highlighting intense socio-economic tensions shaking various countries. Let's take a closer look at the different contexts and their implications for expatriates.
Visas
Digital nomadism has been a hot topic since the pandemic, catering to the new aspirations of professionals who want to work in a "vacation" setting. Countries benefit from this trend, too, and are looking to these new expatriates to boost their economies. In East Asia, two more countries are venturing into the digital nomad scene. Here's a closer look.
Work
The boom in generative AI continues to transform the global job market. Companies around the world, especially the tech giants known as GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and Microsoft), are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence. Even sectors seemingly distant from the digital world, such as accounting and legal firms, are getting involved. What job opportunities can you seize abroad? What studies should you pursue to succeed in AI?
Portugal
The Golden Visa has not had its final say. Despite the visa controversy, several countries keep relying on it to attract foreign capital. Let's discover which countries are relaunching or reforming the program and what has changed.
Work
The European Union is in need of healthcare professionals. Although this isn't publicized within European institutions, a behind-the-scenes battle is clearly underway among various European countries. These countries are treading carefully, balancing more restrictive immigration policies with chronic labor shortages. What does this mean for medical professionals from around the globe?
Formalities
New visas aimed at attracting foreign talent are continuously being introduced as qualified professionals remain in high demand by countries that simultaneously tighten their immigration rules. The priority is clearly on highly skilled economic immigration. Here's a detailed look.
USA
The prohibitive cost of healthcare in the US is making Americans choose or consider expatriation. The latest research from the health policy NGO KFF shows that half of American adults struggle to afford medical care. It should come as no surprise that many are heading to Europe, where public healthcare systems tend to be more developed and well-funded. Others are opting for Latin America, where private healthcare is affordable for expats who earn in dollars.
England
One of the government's goals was to curb the rising trend of immigration by tightening the rules for prospective expats. April saw the introduction of new measures aimed at further filtering applications from foreign workers. What does this mean for those considering moving to the UK? Here's an in-depth look.
England
The current British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called for a snap election on July 4. People were expecting the general election to happen in October or November, not in two months, reports the BBC. How can British expats abroad vote? And which expats in the UK have voting rights? Many Commonwealth and Irish expats in the UK are unaware that they are eligible to vote even if they don't have indefinite leave to remain.
Work
Despite tighter reforms in global powers, immigration remains a vital engine for growth. This is the conclusion of the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the issue. Let's break it down.
Work
The latest trends in international mobility present a paradox. Restrictive immigration policies do not deter foreign applicants; on the contrary. The strong economic health of traditional lands of immigration and the positive image of economic powers are among the factors that encourage workers to try their luck abroad. Here's an analysis.
Everyday life
One of the top destinations for expats from around the world for decades, Canada continues to welcome foreign nationals despite its recent immigration reforms. However, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to move abroad. While this is not a new trend, it has been steadily increasing, which is quite troubling for a nation grappling with an aging population and seeking to retain its citizens. So why are more and more Canadians moving abroad?
Work
Although they are not often ranked among the top countries for expatriates, Malta and Hungary can boast more straightforward entry and residence requirements compared to more popular destinations like the United States and Canada. How is moving to Malta or Hungary easier, and what are the benefits for expats and prospective expats?
Formalities
Labor shortages and ongoing housing crises are heating up immigration policies. Should work permits be extended, or should there be a cap on the number of foreign nationals? It's a significant challenge for countries, with each one trying to introduce new policies to attract expatriates while combating rising living costs. Here's an overview of the latest changes.
Visas
As tourism industries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit slowly, Southeast Asian nations are exploring the implementation of a visa system modeled after the European Schengen Area. This initiative aims to revitalize tourism and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Cost of living
Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.
Work
The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?
Other Types
Schools & studies
Starting at a new school used to be about standing in lines, printing folders of documents, and going on campus tours. Today, in many schools, the enrollment process looks very different. Lots of things can be done online – and sometimes the first time you and your child will step foot in the new school will be on the actual first day. For expats and their kids, this is a trend that works in their favor. Because now they can explore, apply, interview, tour, and even enroll in a school before they are even there. Here's how it works.
Work
More people than ever are considering entrepreneurship abroad. While securing a visa, funding and the right legal status are important, long-term success depends on much more. Before launching a business overseas, what are the key questions every entrepreneur should ask themselves?
Everyday life
The biggest difference between moving counties and moving continents is the distance. Duh, you might think. But it's not only the physical distance itself. It's also how this distance feels. Moving from Spain to Germany is a big life change. But not quite as big as moving from Germany to Brazil. You are now a Transatlantic flight away from everything that you used to know as home. And even if the culture may not be that different, everything else probably is.
Work
Working in an office can feel really isolating. True, you are surrounded by people. But everyone around you is busy, working on their projects and meeting their deadlines. Take this situation abroad, and you are adding in language barriers, cultural differences, workplace misunderstandings… Before you know it, you may find yourself turning to ChatGPT for social comfort, and liking it. But in this article, we want to explore why human connection in the workplace still matters, especially for expats. And why you absolutely should have a work buddy, and how to find one.
Work
After repeatedly hearing that international employers place as much value on personality and cultural fit as they do on technical skills, you might be tempted to express your individuality through your wardrobe. But does that mean anything goes when it comes to interview attire? Whether your interview is in person or online, choosing the right outfit remains an important part of making a strong first impression. From cultural expectations and industry norms to common style mistakes, here's how to dress appropriately for a job interview abroad.
Schools & studies
There is so much more that goes into the choice of a university today than even a decade ago. International students especially have the whole world to choose from. And while before students were more focused on the theoretical benefits of a certain degree, today, with so many less traditional options for learning (online, via social media, private tutoring, etc.), there is a lot more a traditional institution has to offer, especially given the price of formal education.
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