Expat news
Accommodation
The Bank of England has relaxed mortgage eligibility criteria from August 1, 2022. The affordability test to take out a mortgage now only requires the buyer to prove that they can afford a 1% rise in the variable interest rate over the repayment period. Previously, it was 3%. This is good news for expats who want to buy property in the UK, especially first-time buyers who only have a small deposit.
Visas
On Thursday, August 4, 2022, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a new "legal framework of entry, permanence, exit and removal of foreigners into and out of the national territory." How will these changes affect expatriates and people who are looking to relocate to Portugal? How will this affect immigration to Portugal?
Work
All countries around the world are keeping a close eye on inflation. In fact, the levels are particularly alarming in certain countries. Other countries are faring better, but none of them can rejoice for being out of the red zone. Workers are sour and are seeking raises. This would be counter-productive, according to some economists, but is vital, according to others.
Everyday life
Six years after the 2016 referendum, the full consequences of Brexit are still unfolding. Expatriation has become complicated for UK citizens. International media report that expats are being informed by British banks that their EU-based accounts will soon be closed. In Spain, British driving licenses were also recently rendered invalid.
Work
An inevitable reconfiguration of the labor market is brewing in Europe. According to the European Commission, the number of digital workers will almost double by 2045, leading to profound changes in the relationship between employers and employees. Given the growing trend of its cross-border workforce, the European Union recognizes the need to step up its legislation to better protect European workers, regardless of the nature of their jobs.
Everyday life
Recent research from the University of Washington points out that more than 160 million women worldwide didn't have access to contraception methods as of 2019. This can be a significant concern for women planning to move abroad with or without a partner and not looking to give birth and make a family.
Work
Major changes are on in South Africa. In 2021, the government started the reform of its work visa system. On the one hand, South Africans are being prioritized in the labor market, which means that there are even more restrictions on the recruitment of global talent. On the other hand, it wants to tap into the wealth generated by digital nomads by creating new visas to attract them. One thing is for sure: expats should expect sweeping changes in the upcoming months and years.
Everyday life
According to a Quartz article published on June 13, 2022, Hong Kong is struggling to maintain its appeal as an international finance hub. Faced with an expat exodus, the government is considering new ways to attract and retain global talent.
Visas
CIC News, a leading website on immigration to Canada, reports that the country's new Super Visa for the parents and grandparents of permanent residents has come into effect on 4 July 2022. This new visa has increased the length of stay of parents and grandparents from two consecutive years to five, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two years, bringing the maximum length of stay to 7 years.
Visas
Australia is a trendy expat destination considered one of the best places to live because of its high standard of living. Currently, the country faces a labor shortage as its skills crisis is worsening, with businesses struggling to fill nearly half a million jobs amid a mismatch between people's expertise and the work available. With that, the country is looking for work migration, and it's easing some Australian visa classes.
Work
There are approximately 4.76 thousand international migrants living in Vietnam. The country has become increasingly popular as an expat destination in recent years, and it is recognized as a safe place for foreigners to live and work. However, the local Labour department has tightened the required explanation of enterprises for employing expats, to focus on national labor, according to lawyer specialists.
Everyday life
According to Radio New Zealand, as of late June 2022, the number of residency visa applications to live in the island nation has surpassed government forecasts by over 50,000. Over 200,000 migrants and expats currently residing in New Zealand want to obtain the one-off permit to stay indefinitely. So why is the Land of the Long White Cloud, as the Maori toponym goes, so popular among expats?
Schools & studies
Staff shortages, combined with budgetary cuts, have even directly affected the smooth running of immigration procedures at the Department of Home Affairs. There is currently a backlog of over 15,000 visas, including international student visas for those who want to move to Australia to study.
Visas
Although it might sound like an ambitious promise, Indonesia proposes a remote working visa for freelancers across the globe with no taxes for five years, and that would apply to its islands as Bali. Also known as the “Land of the Gods”, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty, and it's usually a place for tourism and celebrations such as honeymoons. But how about working remotely from there?
Everyday life
The European Commission's "Green New Deal" is at stake as countries switch back to the use of fossil fuels, such as coal, the world's most polluting source of energy. NGOs, already disappointed with COP26, are even more worried as countries blame it on the war in Ukraine, energy transition, economic crisis, etc. But is it the only solution?
Cost of living
Mercer published its annual expats' cost of living report last week. The 2022 edition was particularly anticipated since the Covid pandemic plunged the global economy into uncertainty. Added to that are rising inflation, the oil crisis, the war in Ukraine and political instability. So, where should expats move, and how should they consider their next destination?
Visas
Unlike other European countries that recently reviewed their controversial golden visa programs, Portugal stands firm. Severely affected by the pandemic, followed by the economic crisis, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation (8% last month), the Portuguese economy heavily relies on foreign investment. This is probably why the government refuses to end its golden visa program despite warnings.
Schools & studies
The latest update for international students in the United Kingdom is raising concerns. The British High Commission is extending the processing time for international student visas to 5 weeks. At the same time, the government is introducing a new global talent visa. So what does this mean for international students?
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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