Expat news
USA
The Immigration Act of 1990 imposed a limit on the number of Green Cards that the United States can issue every year. Currently, about 1 million Green Cards are issued yearly. Most are Family-based Green Cards, while Employment-based Green Cards have a stricter cap of 140,000 per year. Furthermore, a maximum of 7% of these permits can go to individuals from a single foreign country. Such restrictions have created exceedingly long application backlogs for citizens of the top sending countries, namely Mexico, India, China and the Philippines.
Everyday life
The 17th edition of the Global Gender Gap, released on June 20, 2023, examines the progress of gender equality across four key areas: health and survival, education, the economy, and empowerment. Established in 2006, the Global Gender Gap Index is the longest-standing measurement of its kind. What insights can we gather from this latest edition? What transformations are occurring in various countries? Are we observing positive advancements or a concerning decline in the overall situation?
USA
Diplomatic negotiations between the US and India have paid off for Indian expats in the States. Many of these expats have been affected by the 2023 tech layoff, which put their right to remain in the US as well as Green Card applications, in danger. In June, President Biden announced a pilot program allowing laid-off expats to get a one-year work authorization document while they find another sponsor.
Formalities
Labor shortages continue to be a pressing issue worldwide, prompting countries to adopt various strategies to attract foreign talent. These measures include revising visa exemption policies, streamlining procedures to appeal to foreign workers, and introducing new visa options. Here are the latest updates on visa-related developments from the past month.
Everyday life
Are you looking to move abroad? The 2023 ranking of the world's most livable cities might give you some ideas. Last month, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the sister organization of The Economist newspaper, published its annual "Global Liveability Index," which ranks the friendliest cities to live in. The top 10 cities include destinations expatriates already appreciate for their living environments. However, this year's results are full of surprises, particularly in Europe and Asia. What has led to these changes?
Everyday life
As an officially bilingual country, Canada must ensure that French doesn't fall behind English in all of its provinces, not just in Quebec. In June, the Canadian government adopted a new bill to foster the immigration of francophone expats as well as promote the use of French in federal institutions.
Visas
The European Parliament needs to vote on a proposal that would ease non-EU expats' access to long-term resident status. That will make it easier for them to fully enjoy the EU's freedom of movement. Currently, there are de facto restrictions on taking up work in any EU country, even if you are a (non-EU) expat in one member state. If passed, the reform will allow these expats to immediately get long-term resident status in a second EU country if they relocate.
England
Here's some good news for English football clubs. The Home Office has recently approved new visa criteria for international footballers, resulting in increased flexibility for these foreign talents. This is advantageous for football clubs as they will be able to continue recruiting internationally. Now, does the Home Office's assistance extend to other foreign talent?
Argentina
The Argentine Congress might soon pass a new tax bill that will be a game-changer for remote workers who earn money from abroad. Until now, to legally keep their earnings in an Argentine bank, they had to convert them into pesos. The depreciation of the peso and lack of regularization of freelance work has pushed the state to come up with a bill that would allow these workers to leave up to US$30,000 unconverted in their Argentine account. The Congress's lower house has already approved this bill, but the upper house's vote is pending.
Visas
How can the smooth movement of individuals be ensured while effectively managing the external borders of the European Union? The European Commission has outlined its strategy: the digital Schengen visa. It has successfully reached a groundbreaking agreement in this regard. What does this mean for travelers and prospective expats?
Everyday life
Bali remains open to tourists and expatriates but in compliance with certain rules. I Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, has issued a new circular to clarify things. Effective May 31, it sets out new rules for international tourists and expatriates alike. According to the governor, who has observed a "growing laxity" among some foreign visitors, this measure is essential.
Cost of living
Where to move in 2023? Many would-be expatriates tend to scrutinize the various international rankings. Those already living abroad are seeing the effects of inflation on their daily lives. In New York, you have to look twice before you shop. The same applies to other major American cities. Other expatriation hotspots are also experiencing rising prices.
Tax
Last week, Belgium's Data Protection Authority ruled that the country must stop sharing the private financial information of Americans living in Belgium with the US Internal Revenue Service. What does this mean for American expats? Will this have an impact on their decision to settle in Belgium?
Indonesia
Indonesia is currently implementing new strategies to support the strong economic recovery observed in 2022. In addition to reforming its economy and encouraging innovation, the government is counting on wealthy and skilled foreigners. The health crisis has turned the organization of work upside down, and digital nomadism is at its peak. As a country that aims to become one of the top 5 largest economies by 2045, Indonesia is also luring wealthy investors.
Work
Countries facing significant labor shortages are making policy changes to attract international talent. Some of these include introducing immigration reforms, making entry requirements more flexible, and creating new visas. Here are some of the latest measures taken by different countries to attract foreign professionals.
England
The United Kingdom has experienced a significant increase in net migration since the Brexit vote in 2016, contrary to what was expected. The Conservative government is now trying to find other ways to curb the influx of immigrants.
USA
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, public attention has shifted as life gradually returns to normal. International students, previously allowed to pursue remote studies during the health crisis, are now transitioning. The United States and other countries have recently revoked Covid-related provisions, requiring international students to attend universities physically. What are the implications of this change for international students?
Australia
The Australian government is currently reviewing its visa policy, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, in preparation for the finalization of the federal budget. The changes are expected to come into effect on 1 July, the start of the financial year in Australia. The review aims to align the visa policy with the country's objectives and tackle the exploitation of temporary workers. According to the government, the existing system is flawed and no longer reflects market realities. What does this mean for expatriates?
Other Types
Australia
For years, Australia has been one of the world's most sought-after destinations for international students. Its world-class universities, high standard of living, and generous post-study work opportunities have attracted hundreds of thousands of young people hoping to build a future abroad. But that appeal is beginning to fade. As the government continues to tighten its immigration policy, it has once again increased the cost of its post-study work visa, making it one of the most expensive of its kind in the world. Combined with stricter eligibility rules and fewer pathways to long-term residency, the changes are forcing many prospective and current international students to rethink their plans. Is Australia slowly becoming a study destination reserved for those who can afford to pay the price?
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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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.
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