Expat news
Everyday life
Things are getting worse in India, with a death toll of over 218,000 deaths and more than 20 million positive COVID-19 cases. As the health system crumbles under the rising pressure, several countries have expressed their concerns. Some have closed their borders to travellers from India, while others are setting up aid plans.
Everyday life
Nordic countries, especially Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, stand out in many global rankings for years. In fact, they are some of the world's happiest countries, offering unparalleled quality of life in spite of the pandemic. Recently, they also topped the freedom of the press report by Reporters Without Borders. What is so special about these countries?
Everyday life
The Freedom of the Press Index gives an insight into the importance of freedom of opinion and freedom of expression in different countries around the world -- which is crucial for those who wish to relocate abroad. Let's have a look at countries the press is free and where it is censored.
This week, Mauritius lost five spots in the Freedom of the Press ranking by Reporters without Borders. Last month, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) report produced by the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg ranked Mauritius in the top 10 autocratizing countries. What does this mean about the state of democracy on the island? Should you be worried?
Visas
Canada recently launched six new immigration programs that are paving the way to permanent residency. These programs are mainly intended for essential workers, international students and French-speaking expats who are already on its territory.
Everyday life
Things seem to be getting worse for British expats within the European Union. Following the Brexit, many of them are losing jobs and are being denied healthcare, higher education and even bank accounts, according to international media. But here's what the Withdrawal Agreement, which came into force on February 1, 2020, says about all this.
Work
South Korea is planning to introduce a digital nomad visa like many other countries to attract foreign talent. It also intends to ease visa restrictions for foreign professionals in the fields of research and development and new industries. But why is the country taking such a step amid the crisis?
Everyday life
Three months after the Brexit, British expats in the European Union still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it looks like things are getting worse. Last week, a number of Britons were deported upon their arrival in Spain. While others are still in limbo, Britons in France, for example, fear losing their driving license. Let's have a look at what's happening.
Work
Official figures are quite surprising! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some 480,000 Australians who were abroad have returned home with their talents. What does this mean for expatriates in Australia and foreign professionals who are looking to relocate there?
Everyday life
Things are getting worse in Brazil as Covid-19 leads to over 280,000 deaths. Brazil is now the world's second-most affected country after the USA. How did this happen. Expats have their say.
Everyday life
Religion is an aspect that we often fail to consider when moving abroad. Yet, it can have a considerable impact on expats' lives, as in Switzerland, where more than half of the population favours the burqa ban. The country joins France, Belgium, Bulgaria and Austria, which also have burqa bans.
Everyday life
This year's International Women's Day theme is Choose To Challenge, inviting observation, critical thinking, reflection, and communication to solve problems and bring change. To this end, let's all take some time today to think about how we will help forge a gender-equal world, not just today but every day.
Work
Her Excellency Dr Kate O'Shaughnessy is the fifth consecutive female Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius and Seychelles and Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. On the occasion of International Women's Day 2021, we asked her thoughts about women in the diplomatic world and in decision-making.
Visas
America's forty-sixth President, Joe Biden, has rightfully committed himself to reform the ill immigration system he inherited from Mr Trump, and rectify America's reputation as an unwelcoming and solitary country. Mr Biden aspires to re-instil into American communities the pride in diversity and kick in international mobility to attract some of the brightest and most talented in the world and grow the economy.
Mauritius has been on the blacklist of the European Union since June 19, 2020. A situation that remains worrying for Mauritius as an international financial centre. But as the relevant authorities are working hard to pull the country out of the blacklist, the future does not seem so bleak.
Work
Globally, factors such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth define salaries. With the ongoing pandemic, countries have witnessed an increase in unemployment levels, higher inflation rates, and an economy that is in an indefinite crisis. What does it mean for salaries?
Schools & studies
Following a new surge of COVID-19, China is not allowing the return of international students until further notice. Stranded abroad, international students talk to us about their frustration and anxiety.
Everyday life
India and Myanmar have taken drastic measures following protests during the past few weeks. Expats, like locals, are currently faced with barricades on main roads, water cuts and internet blocks restricting access to telecommunication. Expats tell us about their experiences during these times.
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?
Sponsored
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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