Expat news
Accommodation
Will the housing crisis affect the policies of major immigration countries? Inflation is driving up all costs worldwide, and rents are no exception. Countries are becoming increasingly expensive with fewer housing options available. This situation could benefit other countries that are also trying to attract expats, especially international students.
Visas
Labor shortages and demographic crises are driving states around the globe to reform their immigration policies. While some are introducing new visa policies to attract and retain expatriates on their territories, not all foreigners are treated equally. Let's have a closer look at the latest measures and how they affect international travelers, workers and students alike.
Schools & studies
Since the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020, students from the European Union are longer eligible for domestic tuition and tuition loans in the UK. Instead of a maximum of £9,250 per year for an undergraduate degree, EU students must now pay £15,000- £70,000 per year. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a sharp decline in the number of European students enrolling in British universities. These students now prefer to go to Germany, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Canada, where tuition fees are more affordable.
France
The new school year in France starts on a harsh note. A cut in school grants has been announced. This is likely to be a headache not only for international students but also for French families living abroad. Beyond the rising student cost of living, this measure sounds like a long-lasting crisis.
Schools & studies
Despite the impact of the Covid pandemic, student mobility is back on track. In fact, it's on the rise, reshuffling the deck regarding favorite destinations for international students. Last June, Campus France published its study on global student mobility. Here's a closer look at the most popular countries with international students. Where are international students coming from? What regions of the world are the most mobile?
China
Faced with an anti-espionage law that worries expatriates, China is relaxing its business visa rules for foreigners conducting business activities in the country. Other measures have been introduced to make it easier to obtain certain visas and residence permits. Here's how it works.
Accommodation
Published in the Official Gazette on June 2, Spain's new real estate law has been in force since June 30. The law was urgently introduced to regulate Spain's strained real estate market and facilitate access to housing, especially in "stressed areas". The new law tightly regulates rents and puts tenants and landlords on an equal footing. So what do you need to keep in mind when buying property in Spain?
Visas
In multiple Western countries, prospective international students from Africa face visa rejection rates of over 30-50%. Data from Canada, the United States and France show extremely different visa acceptance rates for international students from different parts of the world – even if they've all been accepted by recognized universities. Those from Europe and North America are rarely rejected; those from Asia and Latin America have a higher visa rejection rate, while over half of qualified Africans don't manage to get a visa. Africans are often required to submit more documents with their visa application, and they face racism-driven suspicion from visa officials.
Visas
Governments are taking action in a world still facing significant labor shortages and grappling with inflation that is pressurizing budgets. Some are opting to relax the rules for hiring foreign talent, while others are moving in the opposite direction by imposing restrictions to curb immigration. Here's what you need to know.
Italy
Italy, which already has one of the strictest laws on surrogacy, is taking another historical turn. Does this imply new challenges for parenthood and abortion rights? What is the situation like in other countries?
Saudi Arabia
When it comes to moving abroad for work, salaries, professional growth, and work/life balance are crucial considerations. Some countries are known for higher salaries, while others are making efforts to attract foreign talent with lucrative compensation packages. As a prospective expat, how can you make the best decision?
Work
Why are companies struggling to recruit despite labor shortages? In countries like France, Germany and the UK, recruitment difficulties are hampering the dynamism and growth of the labor market. What does this mean for professionals with moving abroad plans? Is it the right time to move overseas?
Visas
Canada has been facing a severe skills shortage for several years. Some fields, particularly Tech and innovation, are in a particularly critical situation and are seeking help from the government. The authorities subsequently unveiled new measures to attract and, more importantly, retain foreign talent.
Work
The ITUC released its latest Global Labor Rights Report in June 2023, coinciding with its 10th anniversary. What has changed in the past decade? Have there been advancements in workers' rights globally, or have we witnessed a setback? Which are the worst countries for workers?
Schools & studies
During the 75th Conference of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), which took place between May 30 and June 2, education policymakers gathered in Washington to share their plans to attract more international students. The conference's themes were centered around inspiration and inclusion. Countries have recognized the importance of investing in welcoming and training international students to retain talent. So, which countries are currently the most attractive to international students?
Netherlands
Immigration remains a central topic of debate in the European Union. As France tries to heal the wounds of a week of riots (late June to early July), discussions about immigration have fueled debates, even though the perpetrators of violence were French citizens. During the same period, the European Commission published its Eurobarometer, analyzing the perception of immigration among Europeans.
Banks and finance
In October 2022, the world feared that the dollar's rise would fuel a new inflationary spiral. It was then referred to as the "unstoppable force of the dollar," powerful enough to shake the currencies of major economies like Japan, the Eurozone, and the United Kingdom. However, in December, the tone changed: the dollar experienced a slight decline but remained strong, continuing to be the safe haven of 2023. On the other hand, other major currencies continued to weaken. Nonetheless, some countries resisted, mainly in emerging economies. What are the consequences for expats' finances?
China
A new law was enacted in China on July 1, 2023. It broadens the scope of what is considered espionage and grants the Chinese government increased authority to address perceived threats to national security. Here's what it means for expats.
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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