Features
Everyday life
Often, expatriation is understood to be one big adventure about which one can tell many stories back home. However, the truth is that repatriation (returning home) is often more difficult than expected.
Cost of living
Inflation has been a significant worry in 2022 and the first half of 2023, impacting various countries, including Europe. However, there is a glimmer of hope as recent estimates indicate that inflation is now declining and reaching its lowest points in certain European nations.
Everyday life
All countries are patriarchal to some extent, so it's often more challenging for expat women to adapt to their new professional lives abroad. There exist NGOs that can support them, but in some countries, notably Canada, the state itself has also created programs to facilitate the professional integration of women expats and immigrants. They provide training, develop the women's confidence and help them build networks.
France
Did you know that there is a museum in Paris called the Immigration Museum, or Musée de l'Immigration? It underwent major renovations and was closed in 2020, and has just reopened. The museum aims to tell a story that connects everyone and portrays the various aspects of immigration throughout French history.
Telecommunications
The post-Covid normalization of remote work has unlocked the possibility of working from anywhere in the world – as long as you have your employer's permission, have the correct work visa, and are tax-compliant. So many expats would love to be relaxing by the beach and sipping a cocktail while completing a report on their laptop. The trick lies in having an excellent internet connection. Fortunately, there are multiple countries that both offer remote work/digital nomad visas and excellent internet connectivity.
Everyday life
If you're currently 65 years old and living in the United States, you have another 20 years ahead of you — at least according to the US Social Security Administration. But here's the deal: this newfound longevity comes with some interesting twists and turns. Unlike your grandparents, today's pre-retirees and retirees are facing a totally different retirement landscape.
Visas
Here's a visa that has caught people's attention. While it may not have gained the same popularity as the well-known digital nomad visa, the jobseeker visa is steadily gaining ground among governments around the world. But what are the governments' aims with the jobseeker visa? What are the benefits of this visa for foreign professionals?
Everyday life
Last week, some countries in Northern Europe experienced smoke originating from numerous wildfires in Canada, following its widespread coverage over provinces and extensive regions of the United States earlier in the week. Although the dense smoke gradually diminished over the northeast during the past few days, the fires continued to present a significant hazard.
Work
The remote working boom since the health crisis has rekindled the debate: should you be constantly available for work? How can foreign professionals set their boundaries, considering cultural differences? Let's take a closer look at countries where employees feel obliged to remain available outside working hours.
Everyday life
People often tend to think that all countries have the same rules in this area (or rather, they don't ask themselves the question). But when it comes to moving abroad, it's essential to find out about your host country's culture. Can you live as a couple in another country without being married? Which countries do not recognize live-in relationships?
Tax
Gulf countries have long been attractive to expats for levying zero taxes. But they are now trying to diversify their economy from the oil sector, and that requires getting revenues from taxes. All six GCC countries have slowly been implementing low taxes, starting with VAT, excise tax, real estate tax and corporate tax. They haven't introduced personal income tax, at least not yet.
Portugal
Portugal is currently one of the most attractive destinations for expats. Great aspects of expat life in this country include the existence of multiple types of visas, relatively low cost-of-living expenses and real estate prices, an attractive tax regime, and sunny Mediterranean weather. It should be no surprise that the Ministry of Labor has revealed that the number of expats in the country reached a stunning 650,000 in April, a 364% increase in 5 years.
Banks and finance
When choosing to leave your native country to move or work abroad, streamlining your professional commitments will rank highly on your housekeeping to-do list, in particular if you're a business owner. You may choose to do this by appointing an interim director or promoting your second in command to first in line. Alternatively, continuing in your role may be an option, albeit from a different location, and managing your company finances remotely, which can be facilitated if you have the right systems in place.
Schools & studies
Going abroad to study is not limited to young students. Various training programs and scholarships are also available for apprentices, job seekers, interns, high school students, and even young entrepreneurs. However, navigating through the numerous types of scholarships can be overwhelming. Which organization should you approach? What are the important factors to consider, and the risks?
Everyday life
Immigration has triggered vibrant debates in European parliaments lately, mainly in Hungary, France, Germany, the UK, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, and Denmark. Indeed, many European countries are redefining their immigration strategies for better balance. The war in Ukraine and the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic years are calling for action. But how should countries react to the urgency of labor shortages in particular? This is the crux of the debate between pro- and anti-immigration groups in Europe.
Work
Remote working is being heralded as the dominant way of working in the future as it continues to gain ground around the world. Some economists even estimate that one in 3 workers will be remote workers, including digital nomads (their proportion is even set to rise). Others, however, insist that the "good old office" is not dead. Technological advances are entering the debate, ready to stir up trouble. When redundancies multiply and artificial intelligence (AI) enters the fray, certain professions seem to be at risk.
Children
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and relocating with children adds an extra layer of complexity. Learn, with Amy Morton, an expat coaching professional, how to navigate the challenges, support your children's well-being, and create a thriving family life in your new home. Explore expert tips and advice on how to ensure success as a parent abroad.
Schools & studies
Affordability is the foremost barrier to getting a degree overseas. Indeed, in its recent survey, ICEF Agent Voice found that 75% of international students see it as their main worry. Unless you are studying in a country with no or low tuition fees, like Germany or Argentina, tuition is going to occupy half to three-quarters of your expenses. Non-tuition-related costs that make studying abroad look unattainable are accommodation, airfare, student visas, language tests, and study materials.
Other Types
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
USA
Another blow for foreigners in the United States. On May 22, a memo from the US immigration services introduced a new rule aimed at limiting legal immigration. Apart from a few exceptions, Green Card applications will now have to be filed from the applicant's country of origin. What is the current situation?
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