Expat news
Everyday life
According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Switzerland is one of the countries that showed greater resilience during the pandemic, with a stable economy and low unemployment rate. The country is currently hiring and spreading the word. For expats, it is the opportunity for a radical change of life, with a significant rise in purchasing power. Switzerland still conveys this image of a country with high wages, and moving there to become rich is a dream for many. But what does it take to make this dream a reality?
Everyday life
The Taliban have warned of a heavy price to pay if the United States does not withdraw all of its troops by August 31. The US government admits having been surprised by the speed of the Taliban offensive attack. Still, it could well maintain its soldiers after August 31 to ensure repatriation. But on Tuesday morning, France announced that it would stop repatriation on Thursday if the United States decides to leave Afghanistan on August 31.
Everyday life
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia imposed strict border restrictions. Recently, the government also introduced a new rule that affects Australian citizens and permanent residents living overseas and visiting Australia. Additionally, there are local restrictions within the country. Foreign expats living in Australia, as well as expats from Australia living overseas, should familiarize themselves with the relevant restrictions ahead of making travel plans.
Everyday life
There is definitely a world before and after Covid-19. For those aspiring to live abroad in Asia, the next world promises to be considerably different. The epidemic outbreak hitting part of the continent has left residents in limbo. Many expats have left their host country. The attractive territories are toughening their rules.
Moving
If COVID-19 has taught us one thing it is that one cannot take anything for granted. A lot of expats have had to be repatriated home. So, how do you prepare for needed to move back urgently when moving abroad?
Everyday life
Some countries have already implemented requirements for vaccination passports or proof of vaccination from travellers, and some others are going even further by requesting health passports to attend regular day-to-day activities. The health passport requirements may encourage more people to get vaccinated, but not everyone is happy with such restrictions.
Everyday life
As if the COVID-19 pandemic were not enough, several countries in Europe and America, including the United States and Spain, and even Morocco, are currently facing unbearable heat waves. Expats living in these countries shared their feelings with us.
Everyday life
During the month of June, more than 3000 expats took part in an 天美麻豆 survey on vaccination. Of the 3000 expats surveyed, 49% said that they had already been vaccinated against the COVID-19 while 26% said they intended to get vaccinated in the future.
Health system
The survey carried out during the month of June called on more than 3000 expats from everywhere around the world. Of the American expats who participated, 51% had already been vaccinated and 32% intended to get vaccinated in the future.
Cost of living
Asia is a popular expat destination, and the increase in remote work may allow more expats to relocate to the region. While some parts of Asia are widely known for their cheap cost of living, the Mercer 2021 Cost of Living City Ranking indicates that certain cities are becoming expensive to live in. The majority of the top 10 most expensive cities in 2021 are in Asia.
Health system
The 天美麻豆 survey was carried out in June this year and revealed that an estimated 62.9% of British expats have indeed received the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of them had received either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.
Everyday life
As of June 30, 2021, living and working in the United Kingdom have only 28 days to regularise their situation and declare their residence. So the countdown has started for those who intend to stay permanently.
Work
Despite being a popular expat destination, New Zealand is reviewing its immigration policies to become more selective. The expected changes will come into force from November 1, 2021. Any employer who wishes to hire foreign professionals must obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Everyday life
It's official! Australia will not reopen its international borders before mid-2022. This decision, obviously, breaks the hopes of thousands of expats who had travel plans or were hoping to reunite with their families. Hence, many of them are packing their suitcases while some have already left.
Everyday life
Many nations worldwide have been able to breathe again for the past few weeks after spending months in lockdown. In early May, the easing of lockdown restrictions in several countries has allowed people to get back into their routine. However, Taiwan, Malaysia and Turkey have locked down once again following a new COVID-19 surge.
Work
For many years, Ottawa has been attracting mainly English-speaking expats. But faced with a labour shortage, Quebec, the French-speaking province, is introducing a new policy that's likely to be a game-changer.
Everyday life
Figures are alarming. Since the start of the year, Portugal is being devastated by a new wave of COVID-19. The country has a record of more than 840,000 cases and nearly 17,000 deaths, with hundreds of new cases reported every day. Still, Portugal has kept its appeal for expats.
Colombia
Colombia is slowly coming out of nearly two weeks of tension. The recent protests got 1,506 persons injured and 26 dead. The Colombian government and international organisations made an urgent call for peace.
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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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.
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