Expat news
Spain
In Barcelona, call centers are shutting down one after another. The causes: artificial intelligence and outsourcing to cheaper countries. Nearly 600 layoffs are expected by October. That's the plan announced by CPM International, a commercial outsourcing agency, for its Barcelona site. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to look for work in Barcelona.
United Arab Emirates
Sharjah has unveiled a bold new opportunity for foreign investment: a 100-year lease for non-Arab expatriates. This long-term lease scheme is part of the AI Saja'a Industrial Land project, launched by ASAS Real Estate, the property development arm of Sharjah Islamic Bank.
Czech Republic
A sweeping overhaul of the Czech Labor Code—known as the Flexible Work Amendment—is set to reshape how employees are hired, paid, and dismissed. Taking effect in June 2025, the reform targets both local and international workers. If you've recently relocated for work or are planning a move to Czechia, here's what you need to know.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated that violations of residency rules—such as overstaying a visa—affect not only expatriates but also their sponsors. Sponsors may face serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and even deportation if they are foreign nationals.
Saudi Arabia
Renewing your iqama (residence permit) will now be easier. The General Directorate of Passports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for expatriates.
New Zealand
Faced with ongoing labor shortages, New Zealand is simplifying the process for obtaining a residence permit. Published in April, the updated list of critical skills highlights many opportunities for foreign talents, particularly in healthcare, telecommunications, and engineering.
Luxembourg
On March 31, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg updated its list of occupations facing severe shortages. The authorities have identified 22 sectors where Luxembourg employers are struggling to recruit.
Spain
Announced in April 2024 and confirmed by several statements from the executive branch, Spain's Golden Visa is no longer being issued as of April 3, 2025. Only applications submitted before this date will continue to be processed.
USA
Following President Trump's return to office and his issuance of decrees that undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, numerous countries have issued travel warnings.
Thailand
Thailand recently introduced a visa program designed for same-sex couples. This initiative is open to individuals married to a same-sex partner who is either a Thai national or a foreign resident with a permit that allows them to sponsor a spouse.
Bahrain
To stimulate its economy, Bahrain is strategically targeting affluent expatriates. The 2025-2026 budget introduces a novel program specifically designed for investors and skilled foreign workers.
USA
Should temporary and permanent residents be concerned? US Vice President J.D. Vance's recent remark that the privilege of staying in the United States isn't "unlimited" for green card holders has sparked widespread concern. With immigration laws becoming stricter following President Trump's re-election, even immigration experts are treading carefully. These stricter regulations impact both documented and undocumented immigrants.
England
The British tax reform took effect on April 6, 2025. Notable changes include the elimination of the "non-domiciled" status and an overhaul of the inheritance tax system.
Germany
The ascendancy of the conservatives signifies a shift towards a more stringent immigration policy, albeit with continued openness to non-European skilled professionals. On March 12, negotiations commenced between the conservative CDU and the Social Democrats (SPD) to form a coalition, expected to finalize by late April.
England
The British government faces a challenging task: addressing labor shortages without heavily relying on foreign workers. Here's an overview of their strategy.
Singapore
Singapore is addressing its labor shortage by overhauling its work permit system to both attract and, crucially, retain foreign talent. Here are the essential details to note.
USA
The US is overhauling its immigration policies by introducing the Gold Card for affluent foreigners and suspending EB-4 visas. This new strategy includes both a pathway to citizenship for wealthy immigrants and tighter restrictions on existing visa categories.
France
On Friday, February 21, 2025, the French government published an updated list of in-demand occupations. This latest list, replacing the one from 2021, which was based on data from 2008, is part of an immigration reform enacted in January 2024. It aims for a more targeted job distribution, reflecting the true needs across various regions. How will this impact foreign workers?
Other Types
Schools & studies
Starting at a new school used to be about standing in lines, printing folders of documents, and going on campus tours. Today, in many schools, the enrollment process looks very different. Lots of things can be done online – and sometimes the first time you and your child will step foot in the new school will be on the actual first day. For expats and their kids, this is a trend that works in their favor. Because now they can explore, apply, interview, tour, and even enroll in a school before they are even there. Here's how it works.
Work
More people than ever are considering entrepreneurship abroad. While securing a visa, funding and the right legal status are important, long-term success depends on much more. Before launching a business overseas, what are the key questions every entrepreneur should ask themselves?
Everyday life
The biggest difference between moving counties and moving continents is the distance. Duh, you might think. But it's not only the physical distance itself. It's also how this distance feels. Moving from Spain to Germany is a big life change. But not quite as big as moving from Germany to Brazil. You are now a Transatlantic flight away from everything that you used to know as home. And even if the culture may not be that different, everything else probably is.
Work
Working in an office can feel really isolating. True, you are surrounded by people. But everyone around you is busy, working on their projects and meeting their deadlines. Take this situation abroad, and you are adding in language barriers, cultural differences, workplace misunderstandings… Before you know it, you may find yourself turning to ChatGPT for social comfort, and liking it. But in this article, we want to explore why human connection in the workplace still matters, especially for expats. And why you absolutely should have a work buddy, and how to find one.
Work
After repeatedly hearing that international employers place as much value on personality and cultural fit as they do on technical skills, you might be tempted to express your individuality through your wardrobe. But does that mean anything goes when it comes to interview attire? Whether your interview is in person or online, choosing the right outfit remains an important part of making a strong first impression. From cultural expectations and industry norms to common style mistakes, here's how to dress appropriately for a job interview abroad.
Schools & studies
There is so much more that goes into the choice of a university today than even a decade ago. International students especially have the whole world to choose from. And while before students were more focused on the theoretical benefits of a certain degree, today, with so many less traditional options for learning (online, via social media, private tutoring, etc.), there is a lot more a traditional institution has to offer, especially given the price of formal education.
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