Features
Work
Engineering is a profession that plays a critical role in shaping the world around us. From developing innovative technologies to building complex infrastructure, engineers are at the forefront of driving progress and development. However, in recent years, many countries have been experiencing labor shortages in the engineering sector, which has opened up opportunities for engineers to work abroad.
Tax
Which countries have the most favorable tax systems for expats? If tax evasion is a crime, tax optimization (which consists in using legal means to reduce taxes) is quite normal. Some countries offer a particularly advantageous tax system for expatriates. But do these advantages always mean saving money? Are there other forms of taxes?
Everyday life
When considering public holidays, all countries are not on the same page, and expats do not benefit from all of them in the same way. Between religious festivals, national days, commemorations, and lunar or solar calendars, let's explore the countries with the world's highest numbers of public holidays and see where expats can get the most out of these holidays.
Germany
The government of Germany has developed this new program in association with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) bank to support homeowners concerned about the environment. Named the “Climate Friendly New Build", the credit plan grants credit facilities to owners buying or building a house. Let's have a closer look at it and how expats can benefit from it.
Oman
The Omani private sector is rubbing its hands. For the past year, expatriates over the age of 60 have been able to continue working in Oman, thanks to a circular from the country's Ministry of Labor, which lifted the age limit for expatriate workers. It's believed that senior professionals have not only the knowledge and technical skills but also the experience, patience and resilience that are essential for the smooth running of a business. But is this measure open to all? Under which conditions can one work after 60 years of age?
Work
Countries worldwide are facing labor shortages, and Europe is no exception. Unemployment rates are at historic lows, and job vacancies are at record highs. Companies are finding it hard to hire qualified employees. Besides increasing training among locals, skilled immigration seems to be the ideal solution. What are the programs set up by European Union countries to attract foreign talent, and what are their benefits?
Everyday life
International Women's Day, observed on March 8, was yet another opportunity for worldwide mobilization. Spain seized this opportunity to unveil its new bill that aims at accelerating parity at decision-making levels. But what about other countries? Which ones have laws and/or quota systems to promote the presence of women in decision-making instances? Are we moving towards a breakthrough in women's rights? What are the implications for expatriate women?
England
As reported by The Guardian, a recent study of the World Values Survey Wave found that among 24 countries, the UK's population has the most positive view of immigration. 71% of the British population doesn't think that locals should be prioritized over expats in hiring practices. At the same time, part of the UK government is keen on restricting immigration – a position that is in opposition to wider public opinion.
Work
Work-life balance may look different for different people — and different professions. But the basic definition of work-life balance refers to the state of equilibrium between one's personal and professional life, which is even more important for professionals moving abroad for a better life.
Everyday life
Considered the month of peace, serenity, sharing and good deeds, this year, Ramadan is starting on the night of Wednesday, March 22, or Thursday, March 23, depending on the countries where it is celebrated. The month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. Therefore, Muslim countries pay special attention to the rules surrounding this solemn period. So, what should expat in Muslim countries look out for during this important time of the Islamic calendar?
Germany
In early March, the German federal government officially introduced its new bill to attract international talent and, more importantly, to retain them in Germany. Because while they enjoy living in the country – especially students who love Germany – expats usually don't stay in the long run. Germany has a severe shortage of international talent. The country's growth is threatened by labor shortages and an aging population. But why don't foreigners settle in Germany permanently, and how can the government make the country more attractive?
Work
Being a doctor is currently one of the world's most sought-after and best-paid jobs. The healthcare sector worldwide is under pressure, and more and more countries have a growing need for adequate human resources in the medical field. The opportunities for foreign talent are many, but behind ambitious career plans lies a part of the destiny of entire nations. Let's take a closer look at the global situation.
Everyday life
The first months of the Covid pandemic raised much concern regarding global mobility. Yet, it survived and has even been reinforced. Countries affected by unparallel labor force shortages are fighting to attract foreign talent. The competition for attractiveness stretches from Japan to the UK, including Australia, Germany, Canada, and many other countries. Middle East countries are playing the family card to attract and retain foreign talent. Let's have a closer look at these measures.
Banks and finance
According to a recent survey by HSBC, 45% of people planning to relocate to a new country feel lost about managing their finances after the move. This is an understandable concern: banking, paying taxes and transferring money between countries can be complicated. Below, we will look into the details of the HSBC survey and suggest an effective action plan for managing finances when moving abroad.
Visas
When considering cultural immersion, we often picture a new language learning experience. Indeed, the idiom matches this definition. But what if we told you this immersion could bring much more than language learning? Without a doubt, culture is everything, and most of the time, this is what expats are looking for. But it also attracts culturally diverse artists willing to study, attend an event or carry out their art in a country.
Schools & studies
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of studying abroad had already become a significant factor for many international students and their families, particularly in South Asia and Africa. These regions have seen a rising interest in studying abroad, but with limited financial resources, there has been a growing emphasis on the return on investment of such a decision.
Everyday life
For several months now, the Netherlands has experienced a series of public transport strikes due to the inability of unions and public transport operators to come to an agreement regarding salaries, work contracts, and employee workloads. In this context, we've decided to look into how strikes may affect the lives of expats and what they can do to plan their everyday life in the new circumstances.
Everyday life
For prospective expats, the quality of life is a crucial factor when deciding to move abroad. In this article, we will explore what quality of life means for expats, how it can impact their decision to move abroad, and how they can evaluate the quality of life factors when considering a new destination. Whether you're planning to move abroad or are already an expat, these pointers will help you better understand what quality of life means and how it can affect your experience living abroad.
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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