Features
Everyday life
Higher standards of living, a better quality of life, nature, a change of scenery, reuniting with loved ones, etc., are some of the reasons why people choose to retire abroad. While for some, it's a dream come true, for others, it can be challenging. Still, Morocco, Thailand, Portugal and Greece are among the world's best countries for retirement in 2022.
Work
According to the European Parliament, a cross-border worker is a person who resides in one state and works in another. Unlike migrant workers, the cross-borders have double commitments, that is, to their place of residence and their workplace.
Work
The Covid pandemic abruptly compromised international internship plans over the past two years. As countries open their borders and vaccination reaches populations, youth mobility is rising again. Last year, some 5,600,000 students were able to enjoy youth mobility once again, and this includes many interns for who a dream has finally come true.
Work
While Canada, Switzerland and the United States massively attract international talent, other countries like Brazil, Croatia, Albania, Morocco and Nigeria see their skilled workers leaving. The reasons include political instability, corruption, lack of attractiveness, discrimination, insecurity and lack of democracy.
Everyday life
On February 6, this year, the Majesty Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. What does that mean for Britons who live abroad and expats who live in the UK?
Everyday life
The Russian war in Ukraine has impacted drastically human rights, politics, economy, and more. In Russian lands, not everyone agrees with the current war situation, and many have suffered from sanctions consequences on trying to move abroad.
Work
Job loss is a situation that most often expats don't consider when they plan their move abroad. You should keep in mind that not all countries have similar unemployment insurance policies. The Covid pandemic impacted everyone's lives, and many expatriates were suddenly deprived of employment. As the United Arab Emirates introduces new unemployment insurance to retain foreign talent, let's take a look at how other countries tackle the unemployment of expats.
USA
One week has passed since the tragedy where 19 primary school children and 2 teachers were killed in Uvalde, USA. The population is still shocked, as is the rest of the world. Investigations are on, and the police admitted strategic errors. Still, the NRA maintained its conference on firearms last weekend in Houston, Texas.
Everyday life
Most borders have reopened around the world. Health restrictions have been entirely removed or relaxed. Although the virus is still circulating and mutating, it is no longer scary. This means that populations will no longer be locked down.
Work
Most people move abroad for work to earn more, especially since the Covid-19 crisis, leading to rising prices worldwide. At the same time, the jobs of the future (especially those involved in digital and sustainable development) are on the rise. Hence, countries are increasing salaries to attract international talent.
Work
Over the last two years, many companies have had to adjust to the turbulent economic cycle by laying off many of their top foreign workers. For those employees who've undergone a layoff, it can be a challenging time both mentally and financially.
Visas
Launched to attract investors and revive economies, Golden Visas are residence visas granted to wealthy foreigners who are keen on investing in real estate. Still, the type of property, the minimum investment amount and the conditions vary from one country to another.
Work
Switzerland is and remains an attractive destination for expatriates from around the world. In fact, the pandemic almost helped the country retain its notoriety, especially among the international talent who is keener on moving there.
Schools & studies
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted businesses, economies, and students who were planning their studies abroad. Some countries have marked a decrease in the number of international students this year, and one of the key factors was related to the pandemic consequences, due to closing borders, inflation, cancellation of scholarships, and, currently, the war.
Accommodation
Real estate prices in Canada have reached all-time highs due to Covid, inflation, the real estate bubble, etc. For the government, facing one more crisis is not an option. Prime Minister Trudeau recently introduced restrictions for wealthy expatriates to end real estate speculation.
Tax
Moving abroad is an exciting but also a long journey. Expats have to research carefully and prepare for their financial responsibilities abroad and, in some cases, for tax returns in their home countries, as happens with Americans and French expatriates.
Everyday life
Expatriates are often not considered in regional elections and cannot express their views regarding local policies and initiatives in their host city and country. In Brussels, many of them cannot participate in elections and local political life, mostly because they do not have Belgian nationality.
Work
International conventions guarantee all expatriate workers the same rights. In reality, however, there are expatriates and others. In fact, white-collar workers have greater protection than blue-collar workers in sectors that are under pressure. The image itself is totally different. In the collective unconscious, the image of a temporary foreign worker seems far from being the common "expat" reference. They are often granted less consideration and protection and are exposed to more difficulties. What does international law say in this regard? How are countries ensuring the protection of temporary expatriate workers?
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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