Expat news
Visas
Despite significant labor shortages worldwide, countries are introducing increasing restrictions: capping the number of international students, reducing temporary worker permits, and nationalizing jobs. Here's an analysis of the current situation and what you need to know if you're planning to relocate overseas.
Work
Nations around the world are reforming their immigration rules to attract foreign talent, reduce net migration, and promote local employment. Their target: the minimum income, a crucial condition for qualifying for a work visa. Should this threshold be increased or lowered? How do employers view these state reforms? Let's take a closer look at the countries that have recently changed their minimum income scales for expatriates.
China
China is now widely opening its doors to foreign businesses in a decisive shift from its zero-COVID policy. The latest reform is part of a massive "modernization project", a term central to the Chinese government's strategy. The target year is 2029, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Here's an in-depth look.
Work
Where should you move for an international career? Workers might be surprised that the minimum income can double, depending on the chosen city or province. While not always to such extremes (though large variations can be observed within the same state), it's crucial to know the minimum wage thresholds set by the host country. Here's an overview.
England
In late July, far-right and anti-immigrant riots erupted across the UK following the spread of fake news claiming that an asylum seeker was responsible for a mass stabbing incident. Far-right mobs started attacking people of color and those they suspected of being immigrants. While arrests were quickly made in response to the violence, many expats and even British people of color remain shaken by the riots.
England
The Labour government aims to move past the conservative era definitively. As the new budget vote approaches, expats might see some limited tax relief. However, this is to be taken with caution. The Labour Party recently criticized "catastrophic" national finances left by the previous government. What does this mean for expats in the UK and Britons living abroad? Let's break it down.
Visas
A tougher stance on immigration, coupled with a need for more foreign talent: the contradictory messages sent by states facing labor shortages continue to create a tug-of-war in migration policies. Between visa restrictions and open-door policies, nations are devising strategies to align their immigration policies with their economic objectives.
Accommodation
The current housing crisis is exacerbated by inflation, which, despite easing in sectors like food and energy, keeps driving up rental prices. Foreign investors are cautious or capitalizing on market attractiveness to execute their financial ventures. However, as locals and expatriates with modest incomes face an increasing cost of living burdened by continuous hikes in housing prices, governments are taking steps to regulate the market.
Schools & studies
Will students soon have to give up on studying abroad? In their efforts to control immigration, popular countries are implementing measures that are challenging students' plans to move overseas. How do visa restrictions and increased fees impact universities and education? How can students consider studying abroad in this context?
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a highly cosmopolitan country, with nearly 47.3% of its population being foreign nationals, representing about 170 different nationalities (government data). Despite its small size of only 2,586 km², the country offers ample opportunities for those seeking professional growth and an excellent quality of life. The Luxembourg Parliament has recently passed a law making it easier for third-country nationals to enter and stay in Luxembourg for highly qualified jobs. So why should you consider moving to Luxembourg?
Japan
Facing a labor shortage and a worsening demographic situation, Japan is gradually opening up to immigration, particularly by reforming its visa policies. However, the country remains torn between economic necessity and a social model built on homogeneity. Here's an analysis.
England
This July, the 14-year rule of the UK's Conservative Party has come to an end. A snap general election led to a landslide victory for the opposing Labour Party, which is under the leadership of Keir Starmer. What are this new government's promises for immigration? How are expats affected by this, and what are their concerns and hopes?
Kenya
The latest tax reform in Kenya has sparked intense protests and unrest. The BBC and France 24 report that at least 39 people were killed during the protests, while local news outlets say the death toll rose to 19 people. The situation has escalated and is drawing international attention and concern.
USA
This announcement has unsurprisingly stirred the Republicans but could earn points for the Democrats, a hope for Biden as the presidential campaign heats up. Here's a look at the measure and its eligibility conditions. How are foreign nationals in the US reacting to these measures?
Formalities
With the streamlining of visa procedures, the creation of new residence permits, the strengthening of partnerships between countries, and restrictions on expatriate workers, among other measures, immigration remains a critical issue in many countries. Here's an overview.
Cost of living
While international mobility continues to attract global workers, they are increasingly cautious before signing their contracts. Today, expats have to contend with the ever-increasing cost of living in major cities. So, how can one consider living abroad under these conditions? What happens if you're looking to move abroad with your children? Are expats still able to negotiate their salaries, housing allowances, or their children's school fees? Let's have a look.
Everyday life
Prospective expats are closely monitoring immigration reforms in countries seeking labor. They are also paying close attention to the social atmosphere in their targeted countries. Anticipated elections around the world reveal the socio-political crises these countries face. Will this influence their plans to move abroad? Let's take a look at some of the most popular expat destinations.
Formalities
Increasing violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, criminalization of homosexual relationships, and deprivation of rights. The rise in persecution is forcing more LGBTQI+ people to seek asylum abroad. What are the conditions for obtaining asylum? Let's take a closer look.
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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