Expat news
Schools & studies
International student mobility is increasingly important in the strategies of countries vying to attract foreign talent. Are the top choices of 2024 still the countries usually favored by international students? What are the new priorities of international students?
France
The immigration law was recently enacted, yet tensions show no signs of easing. Meanwhile, the French government has released figures it believes highlight the positive outcomes of the reforms. Let's take a look at the chronicles of a chaotic reform.
Germany
With the Skilled Immigration Act of 2023, Germany has been enacting new immigration reforms to make immigration easier for highly-skilled expats. Applications for the Opportunity Card will start from June 2024. This visa allows skilled expats who pass a points test to move to Germany for one year without any work contract. They can use that year to look for a job in the country itself.
Work
Popular expat destinations are facing challenges. Real estate remains in a slump, impacting various sectors within the industry. But despite the real estate downturn in several countries, there are still labor shortages in related fields. If you're considering a move to one of these countries, let's look at the state of the job market and the solutions for these sectors.
Formalities
Another country has decided to withdraw from the contentious Golden Visa program. As governments continue their efforts to attract foreign talent and affluent expatriates, they are exploring alternative approaches such as family visas, permanent residency, and employment programs. Let's explore these different strategies.
Work
The increasing number of natural and climate disasters reminds the world that time is not on its side. Fossil fuels are dwindling and facing growing criticism. Green energy is gaining ground, even among major oil-producing countries. Let's take a closer look at these countries seeking to diversify their economies and how this will affect international mobility.
Formalities
In mid-January 2024, the UK government voted to overturn a rule that used to bar British expats who'd been abroad for 15 years or longer from voting. This means that in the upcoming general elections in late 2024, around 3.5 million Britons should be able to vote from abroad.
Work
Expats were thought to have been swept away by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by the rise of remote work. Recent international upheavals were expected to hasten the end of expatriation. But that was without taking into account labor shortages, which are prompting governments to roll out the red carpet for foreign workers. Even the most conservative among them are opening the door to them. Let us take a closer look.
Formalities
Nationals of the most powerful visa-issuing states can rejoice. They have access to nearly 200 visa-free destinations. But besides this considerable benefit, what are the challenges for international mobility? How do these agreements between countries affect plans to move abroad?
Accommodation
Many countries are currently faced with a property crisis with serious economic and social consequences. With mortgage rates on the rise, more and more households are turning to property rental. There has been a surge in demand, supply is not keeping pace, and prices are soaring. At the same time, governments are relying on immigration to overcome major labor shortages. But how can you move abroad to work when you can't find proper and affordable accommodation? What should expats expect in 2024?
Everyday life
A crucial year for democracy. 2024, an electoral year, promised to be a year of high tension. Elections are scheduled in 77 countries, including the European Union, Taiwan, South Africa, the United States, Indonesia, India, Venezuela, Pakistan, etc. Billions of people are being called to the polls in the context of a continuing economic crisis and the rise of the extreme right. What will global immigration look like in 2024?
Visas
Will aspiring expatriates need to give up their dreams of living in the United Kingdom? The latest government announcements suggest that new restrictions may be implemented this year.
USA
The world's leading power continues to attract as many people as ever. While the job market is not as intense, labor shortages are still real. The nation heavily depends on immigration, an essential factor for sustaining both economic and demographic growth. What changes have we observed in recent years?
Work
Which are the most attractive and favorable countries for expats in 2024? Although salary isn't the only factor determining expatriation decisions, it does play a crucial role, particularly in the face of ongoing inflation that is pushing up the cost of living. What are your options if you intend to grow your career overseas?
Work
In the world of economic growth, emerging nations are flourishing. Their GDP is on the rise at a faster pace compared to more developed economies, offering an enticing opportunity to attract entrepreneurs and foreign investors. So why should you do business in an emerging country, and what are the risks?
Schools & studies
The immigration departments of some major study destinations have recently announced that they are raising the criteria that international students must meet. It is often financial criteria that is targeted: higher visa fees, tuition fees and proof of funds for the cost of living. This is a cause for concern for many prospective and current international students in the US, the UK, Australia and Finland.
Formalities
Some countries are making efforts to attract economic immigrants, while others are trying to limit their numbers but still allowing a few select candidates to enter. Here's a world tour of the latest immigration news to help you plan your stay abroad.
Formalities
Following Brexit, the status of British expats in Europe, as well as European expats in the United Kingdom, is often questioned. Some European Union member states are offering support to counter the effects of Brexit.
Other Types
Everyday life
Are retirees really the "wealthy elite" they're often portrayed as? In reality, retirement incomes vary widely, and so do living standards. For expat retirees, the picture is even more complex. Beyond everyday expenses, they must also navigate inflation, hidden costs, rising healthcare bills, and policy changes that can all have a significant impact on their budget.
Accommodation
Buying your own property is a major milestone, and for many expats, an exciting new chapter. But purchasing a home abroad involves more than finding the right property. Your relationship status can have a significant impact on your rights as a buyer and the legal protections available to you. Whether you're married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, are you equally protected when buying property overseas?
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JJ Associates
If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Work
Imagine that after months of frustrating job search, you finally get an offer that can change your life. Not only is it the perfect match for your skills and experience, but it is also coming from a different country. The pay is great, and relocation expenses are covered. You are excited, you are making arrangements to leave. And, most likely, you are not at all ready for one of the following scenarios.
Work
Parenting is one of the most (if not THE most) life-changing experiences one can go through. But as much as this responsibility is shared, it is often the mothers who experience this change tenfold. And if you experience motherhood whilst working abroad, this transformation can feel even more profound. And for many expat women, motherhood in a foreign country marks a professional turning point.
Everyday life
Europe is sweltering under record-breaking heatwaves, Canada is battling increasingly frequent wildfires, and parts of Asia are lurching from extreme heat to devastating floods. Once considered exceptional, extreme weather events are becoming a defining feature of daily life across the globe.
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