Features
Work
Due to a historic labour shortage, Ontario's immigration minister Monte McNaughton introduced the “Working for Workers Act” on October 25 last year. If it gets passed, it could mean big changes for expats interested in going to Ontario.
Everyday life
Since March 2020, many things have changed for expats and those who were planning to relocate overseas. However, they haven't given up and started this new year on a good note. They talk to 天美麻豆 about their priorities for 2022.
Everyday life
2021 has not been an easy year for expats. While some managed to move abroad amid the pandemic, others simply enjoyed their time in their host country while others preferred to return home. We have selected for you 12 expats stories from the past 12 months.
One of the major challenges of expat parents is the fact that they are not always around with their families. Though it is a rewarding package to be working as an expat, the sacrifices you have to make especially when you can't take your kids and partner with you are worth talking about. One of the areas of concern is your children's education.
Everyday life
Amidst questions, weariness, optimism and resilience, the world faces yet another holiday season, praying that there will not be any more surprises. For expatriates, there are even more uncertainties: to travel or not to travel? Under what conditions? The new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has added itself to the list of worries and is forcing them to change their plans. What are expats doing this Christmas 2021? Going home or staying put ?
Leisure
Living abroad as an expat might bring its benefits and opportunities, but when it comes to the end of the year, some general concerns arise over Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Where to go? With whom should one celebrate? But now, amidst the pandemic, it is more challenging: will expats be able to go back to their home countries or travel for tourism?
Leisure
Christmas is a special and expected holiday for many to be around family and friends, but also for eating well with traditional foods. From turkey to sprouts, and chicken stews to pan d'épices – whatever festive feast expats are cooking this Christmas, they might be looking to eat, drink and be merry with local festive recipes, or they will even fancy trying international ones. Therefore, we compiled 7 Christmas dishes ideas for expats with alternatives for vegans.
Everyday life
Indonesia is the closest place there is to heaven on Earth. Through incredible biodiversity, warm climate, turquoise beaches and greenery, it is one of the most amazing places to visit. Together with its jewel Bali, the whole country was closed to tourists during Covid. But now, it is slowly opening up, allowing tourists to visit after almost two years of restrictions.
Everyday life
As millions of US citizens are taking their booster dose at home, some American expats are looking for their first vaccine against the coronavirus abroad. Unfortunately, many countries still need vaccines or put expats at the end of the line.
Leisure
The traditions around New Year vary around the world. You can discover them through travelling, but living in a country with a different culture as an expat can be a confusing yet exciting experience, as you can learn a new culture and broaden your worldview. So how to approach a culture that is so different from yours when you seem to be “trapped” celebrating in a place with different ideas of fun?
Leisure
Being an expat is a fun adventure, but even the biggest travellers can feel homesick. The warmth and the smells of being back to the place you grew up cannot be exchanged with anything else in the world, and what better time to experience them than during the Christmas holidays.
Everyday life
Border reopenings have become a crucial factor when it comes to international relocation. Still, despite the pandemic, many expats are happy in their host countries. So what should aspiring expats expect in 2022? Do the once top expat destinations still look appealing?
Everyday life
Moving abroad requires a lot of energy, optimism, self-confidence, and independence. While it can be one of the most adventurous life decisions of a person, it comes with a long list of stressors. That is to say, the dream to live abroad as an expat can turn into a nightmare when the end of the year comes around.
Everyday life
Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Poland... Countries are tightening their restrictions to fight against the resurgence of COVID-19. Their target: the non-vaccinated. Filling up hospitals, they also display the most serious symptoms of COVID-19. Where in the world is it the hardest to not be vaccinated ?
Everyday life
Moving abroad usually takes a lot of challenging steps, like learning another language. Expats who are interested in studying or working abroad might have companies and institutions requiring a language proficiency test if they aren't native speakers of the new country's language.
Work
There has been a shift in how expats are being paid: fewer expatriation packages, or no packages at all. Businesses are on the hunt for any expenses deemed superfluous. What is the future for international workers? Has the Covid-19 definitively killed the Golden expatriation package?
Everyday life
The global health crisis has plunged women into alarming insecurity and uncertainty. The situation is similar in most countries, with a rise in the rate of violence against women, precariousness, etc. Some States have even regressed in terms of women rights.
Everyday life
Developing countries host more than one-third of international migrants in the world. Most of them are migrant workers and are employed either formally or more often informally in their countries of destination. But, let's address some misconceptions about immigrants and expats critically: immigration and expatriation are good for countries, communities, and economies.
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"