Expat news
Everyday life
Covid came unexpectedly and struck the whole world. Between lockdowns and “waves”, some regions have dealt with it better than others. Notably, Australia and New Zealand were among the countries famous for their strict measures, and they proudly showed that they have managed to keep for a while the number of cases at a minimum. But at what cost?
Everyday life
The pandemic made everyone's lives complicated. After the first travel limitations, the international borders for many countries have opened (with some ongoing exceptions), and restrictions moved based on the seasonal waves and immunization throughout countries. Like everyone, you are probably starving for a new nomad adventure. In order to make your journey as safe as possible, you will need to be informed about the regulations between countries, as well as the risk areas around the world.
Everyday life
Switzerland is the 29th country in the world to have legalised marriage for all genders after Costa Rica, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Luxembourg, Ireland, Taiwan, Malta, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Ecuador, etc. This massive “yes” is a big victory for LGBTQIA + activists and a call for all other countries around the world that are still against same-sex marriages. Mostly European countries have done it so far. As Switzerland makes its “coming out”, the first weddings are expected as early as July 2022.
Accommodation
The pandemic has changed the outlook for individuals and businesses around the world. Most spheres of life are concerned by the “pre” and “post” Covid situation. In Spain as elsewhere, thousands of individuals, including expatriates, have been moving to large city outskirts, or, if they have the budget, to buy in a second home. Sometimes fearing new lockdowns, new buyers are seizing opportunities to enjoy life in a different way. However, a new tax reform introduced in July by the Spanish government could be a game-changer.
Tax
A recent measure from a Colorado district court may lead to negative consequences for US expatriates and those seeking to live and work abroad without renouncing their US citizenship. Is it fair if American expats have their income taxed as if it were earned in the US?
Everyday life
The Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau was re-elected on September 20 with a minority government. This vote can be defined as the trust of Canadian residence in the Prime Minister. In this pandemic era, the support of the whole nation for another new four-year mandate is crucial. Other political parties have been talking about their ambitions regarding immigration, but it looks like the Liberal Party won the hearts with its proposed policies.
Everyday life
Post-Brexit immigration has become a major issue over the past months. Things that looked pretty straightforward initially are now getting more complex, especially with the Covid-19 crisis. So with the labour shortage, a crisis in the fishing industry, disillusionment with mixed couples, what will immigration in the United Kingdom look like in the coming months?
Everyday life
This September, many countries reopened their borders (Canada, Senegal, etc.); others are planning to follow suit (United States, Australia). It is indeed great news for people who were looking to move abroad. The new world map shows a majority of countries open to vaccinated travellers, but with certain restrictions. But immigration still largely relies on government announcements. In such circumstances, considering the pandemic, is it still possible to plan international relocation?
Everyday life
Thailand has been hard hit by the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. Still, to trigger growth, the country looks determined to get back on track, first by containing the pandemic and then by bringing back foreigners. Current results are encouraging. The contamination rate has gone down, and vaccinated foreigners are now allowed into the main Thai tourist spots.
Italy
From October 15, 2021, the health pass, also known as the “Green Pass”, will be mandatory for all employees in Italy. This new measure has been unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers. Italy is thus paving the way for the rest of Europe. It is indeed the first European country to make the Green Pass compulsory for all public and private workplaces.
Everyday life
Faced with the threat of the Delta variant, the measures are toughening up: compulsory vaccination, selective reopening of borders... The populations are divided between support for government measures, fears for the future, and sometimes violent demonstrations. Economic imperatives, climate emergency, international tensions ... Global news remains marked by great uncertainty, while the Covid-19 continues to prevail.
Everyday life
The end of the "Travel ban" has finally come. After being closed for a year and a half, the United States is reopening its borders in early November 2021. This is another sign, for expatriates and international travellers, that things are slowly getting back to normal, but with certain control. For now, only fully vaccinated people will be able to travel.
Canada
The pandemic that has affected the whole world has not spared the mobility of expatriates and their travel possibilities to Canada. With Canada's borders closed for a long time, moving there was not impossible but definitely complicated. On the 7th of September, Canada reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers who wish to travel to the country on a discretionary basis (without employment or emergency reasons). What are the different ways aside from employment and where are the places looking for expatriates?
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world. It is a country famous for many industries from automotive to electronics. It is also known for being welcoming to skilled workers and migrants. Being a safe haven for intellectuals from all over the world Germany now faces a challenge to maintain its reputation while balancing the effects of the COVID setbacks.
Formalities
All immigration candidates had been waiting for this, Canada's borders have reopened, although still only under strict conditions. Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals can now come to Canada for non-essential reasons like tourism and flights from India and Morocco are still banned and anyone who has not yet received the vaccine needs to provide justification for wanting to enter the territory.
Everyday life
Since March 2020, the whole world has been transformed by the Covid-19 pandemic. With variants and epidemic peaks, "quarantine" and "lockdown" remain in news highlights. Today, the first thing to check is whether you are allowed to travel overseas depending on your current situation (where are you are travelling from, the purpose and duration of stay, visa and entry requirements, etc.). We might think that quarantine only impacts short stays abroad, but the truth is that international relocation plans are also affected.
Everyday life
For the first time in years, the U.S. population increase has dropped and grew at the second-slowest rate since the founding of the country. The declining fertility rate (almost 20% since 2007) and the reduction in immigration seem to be the main cause for the increase, with a global pandemic surely not helping. As environmentalists might support the idea of having fewer polluters in the world, the decrease in population is considered to be a serious economic concern for the country. And possibly an opportunity for expats in the future.
Everyday life
Since September 7, Canadian borders have been open. The country, which is very popular with expatriates, needs skilled labour. With its wide open spaces and amazing beauty, Canada is the world's second-largest country after Russia and continues to attract new immigrants. While many expats usually head to big provinces and cities such as Quebec or Vancouver, more and more of them are now choosing less popular provinces where they can get equal or even greater benefits.
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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