Expat news
Denmark
Denmark is heavily relying on immigration to counter the acute labor shortage in certain sectors. The Danish government has come up with a special scheme to attract qualified foreign talent and created a list of jobs that are under pressure. So what are the opportunities that are currently available in Denmark for prospective expats?
Finland
A recent study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) found that, among 15 high-income countries, Finland was the only one that didn't have a lower immigration rate in 2020 when measured against predicted immigration in the absence of Covid. Data from the OECD suggests that freedom of movement within the European Economic Area (EEA) contributed to that.
Poland
One could call it the "Polish economic miracle". With sustained growth and low unemployment, the country presents many benefits for foreign workers. The war in Ukraine has also played a major role in the increase in the number of migrant workers. But what are the opportunities available for foreigners in Poland?
Luxembourg
Attracting international talent is no easy thing. Faced with a severe labor shortage, Luxembourg is finding it hard to hire foreign talent. Aware of the current situation, the government recently introduced a new tax incentive for highly qualified foreigners. But will that be enough to attract foreign talent?
USA
Following years of euphoria and a strong hiring trend in the early days of COVID, uncertainty took over the US Tech sector. Successive waves of layoffs worldwide have left thousands of employees in shock. The situation is particularly critical in the United States, with foreigners forced by their visas to find a job quickly. But what led to such a huge surge in layoffs? What is the future of the US tech sector, and how are foreign workers impacted?
South Korea
Will 2023 be the year of a new economic and even demographic boost in South Korea? This is the government's hope and belief as it outlines its plan to revive the South Korean economy. Since important sectors are suffering from acute labor shortages, it is taking new measures to welcome foreign workers. Which are the most affected sectors and are in desperate need of expat workers?
Sweden
According to Swedish Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, this move aims to "reduce the risk of painful tragedies for migrants". Underlying this measure is, in fact, the political pressure exerted by the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) party. The SD intends to take advantage of Sweden's presidency of the European Union to steer migration policy.
Singapore
Thanks to its strong links with other countries, Singapore's economy is considered a barometer of economic conditions. However, there is growing concern about the 2023 outlook as the World Bank warns of a possible recession. As a result, the Singaporean government is introducing a new strategy to sustain its economic growth based partly on foreign talent. Here's how this works.
Malaysia
During COVID, more than 700,000 foreign workers left Malaysia. Faced with major labor shortages in key sectors, the government has announced a vast international recruitment program. Here are some insights.
China
After 3 years, China finally reopened its borders on January 8. Most travelers can now enter the country only with a negative PCR test. Many expats in China feel relieved and want to resume enjoying the life they loved there. However, some who were stuck outside of China in March 2020 are hesitant about returning, and doubts remain about the economic prospects of expats in the country.
Accommodation
What does the year 2023 hold for the global real estate market? In its most pessimistic projection, the IMF is talking about a 10% drop in property prices in advanced countries and 25% in emerging countries. It seems that price booms are over. Inflation and the risk of a global recession are rendering the global market even more tenuous. In this context of uncertainty, is investing in real estate still a safe bet for expatriates? What are the benefits of investing in real estate, and where can you buy affordable property in 2023?
Everyday life
As Spain prepares to launch its new Digital Nomad Visa, what should you know about moving there in 2023? The country also has a new Startup Act to encourage entrepreneurship, even from expats, and it boasts of the lowest inflation in the EU and multiple new social welfare policies at the moment. Retirees have historically been a big expat demographic in Spain, but there are now increasingly more young expats in their 20s and 30s.
Work
Are you looking for a stable job? Are you dreaming of moving abroad for new career opportunities? Canada starts 2023 with unemployment figures that would make other leading economies swoon. The country is still likely to gain valuable points with prospective immigrants. Used to good rankings, Canada is one of the favorite countries among expatriates. Will this be confirmed again this year by the drop in the unemployment rate? Will the government stick to its strategy to welcome 500,000 immigrants by 2025?
USA
Joe Biden concedes that the latest decisions won't solve the problems undermining the immigration system. However, the American president is optimistic in his belief that these new measures will be of great help to the nation. How, in the context of an inflationary and global economic crisis, can labor shortages be addressed while at the same time firmly addressing the issue of illegal immigration? The American president is trying to reach out to the Republicans without alienating his supporters, which is a risky exercise, even for the most talented of balancers. What can we learn from the Biden administration's new immigration policy?
England
Recently, in order to fight labor shortages, the UK's Home Office eased the laws to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. International students can now switch to this visa before completing their course as long as they have a suitable job offer. However, this is turning out to be a problem for British universities, who are seeing higher international dropout rates and the accompanying loss of funds from tuition fees.
Work
As part of its Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, Canada is trying to attract more immigrants from the Indo-Pacific region. Most recent immigrants have come from three countries in the region: India, China and the Philippines. In the next 5 years, Canada will invest an additional $75 million in trade, visa processing and educational exchanges with the Indo-Pacific region.
China
When it implemented its zero COVID policy, the Chinese government was confident of its ability to completely eradicate the virus from its territory. Beijing still officially holds this line, despite acknowledging that its policy is unpopular. The three-year isolation has had heavy consequences on both human and political planes and will probably continue to do so in the coming years. The population has been pushed to the very edge. Under pressure from unprecedented demonstrations, Beijing is giving ground for the first time.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the sixth largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $111 billion in 2022. It is, in fact, on track to overtake Kenya for fifth place by 2023. As part of its strategy to achieve this, the government has successfully resumed its drive for foreign investment to boost economic growth. Its latest initiative is the introduction of a new visa for foreign investors. Here's what it means.
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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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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