Features
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.
Work
Working abroad as a self-employed can sound like a dream: being your own boss, you can get to know a new country as you work at a cool coffee shop and organize your schedule. There are a lot of positive points about working as a freelancer in another country: you're more passionate about what you do, there's more space for creativity, and the experience also calls for being an entrepreneur, as you can hire someone to work with you according to your needs.
Everyday life
Whether you are already an expat, are considering a move abroad, or are simply a curious cinephile looking for a nice movie to relax, this is for you! We have selected some of the best movies about moving and living abroad to give you a glimpse into expat life.
Everyday life
“Well-being”, “quality of life” “serenity” and other factors for “personal development” are some of the main questions expats and expats-to-be have been asking themselves in these times of border reopenings. These are often associated with a stronger desire for nature, the outdoors, simple pleasures. But has the quality of life changed since the pandemic? What do expats aspire to now?
Everyday life
Despite the global health crisis, economies are recovering gradually. While some countries are still facing difficulties, others are having their economies back to the pre-Covid-19 state. For these countries, there is currently a call for hiring foreign talent. But have people's ambitions changed in the pandemic era? What are the means for governments to attract and retain talent?
Everyday life
Alone but not lonely. Solo female expats are on the rise, and as the world is striving towards gender equality, many women show that their ambitions have no geographical limits. Deciding to start a journey in a new country has all the elements an adventure needs: adrenaline, excitement and even a healthy amount of fear. If you are ahead of a similar journey, you should consider some safety dos and don'ts in order to make your new experience joyful and smooth.
Everyday life
After nearly two years of pandemic waves and strict restrictions, borders are reopening around the world. To ensure sustainable growth, the States are considering a series of measures, including recruiting foreign talent. All sectors are currently in demand of foreign expertise, with innovative and high-tech sectors being the leading job providers. So what are the challenges of international mobility in the Covid-19 era, and how can foreign talent boost economic growth?
Everyday life
After more than a very complicated year for travel and international mobility, many countries are reopening slowly and smoothly. Amid the uncertainty and hopes for a better tomorrow, the United Arab Emirates is implementing new rules to attract expatriates from all over the world to revive their economy.
Health system
We live lives when the world around us is changing rapidly. Technology rises, we travel and move, but while the outside world seems to be spinning, our thoughts and feelings are affected. The careful daily examination of our feelings is important for enhancing our mental health. But some scenarios like Covid, moving to a new country, or just the stress of life itself make it too difficult to bear with it alone. Seeking help regarding your mental health might be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, and it might lead you on to your new life path.
Everyday life
In an era of reaffirmation of identities, thriving cultures have been recognizing and integrating no binary and LGBTQIA+ people through social politics, laws, and cultural representation. From a critical gender perspective, some countries are acknowledging not only two sexes (men/women), but a plurality of them, expanding the possibilities of gender and sexual orientation.
Everyday life
After the exodus caused by the riots, more expats are now choosing to leave Hong Kong due to the frustration over the city's Coronavirus restrictions and lack of a clear reopening plan. Hong Kong has embraced a strategy that emphasises social distancing, limiting travel and shutting most non-residents out, except when coming from China and Macao. Expats and even locals arriving in the city have to contend with one of the world's longest quarantines, paying to isolate in a hotel room for up to three weeks.
Accommodation
When leaving your country for a new adventure abroad, finding accommodation can be a major concern, whether you are moving alone or with your family. And it becomes especially difficult in times of COVID-19 and economic crisis to find affordable accommodation options. Homesharing is an interesting option not only for saving in terms of costs but also for a smoother transition.
Everyday life
For more than a year, it has been assumed that the global health crisis would have a negative impact on international relocation. But it looks like Japan has reversed the situation. Ranking consistently as one of the world's most expensive countries (with a high cost of living in Tokyo, especially), Japan also stands out for its high expat packages. Is that supposed to be good news for foreign workers?
Everyday life
Nobody wants to be divorced. But after many conflicts and unbearable misunderstandings, it is better to separate. If you have made up your mind, there has to be a good reason for it, and therefore you, as an expat, should know your options in order to organise properly and overcome this unpleasant moment.
Everyday life
Expenses such as moving, settling down, renting or buying a new place, insurances and the cost of studies are usually some major concerns for international expats. However, travellers might be surprised to know that in relation to salaries, the cost of food can be a new challenge when considering a country to live abroad, as food prices are increasing worldwide amidst an economic crisis worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
If COVID-19 has taught us one thing is that you can do any work from the comfort of your home. While the flexibility is great, it can be difficult for expats who have been pushed to work from home overnight. Indeed, as an expat, work often provides much needed socialisation and plays an important role in one's integration. So, how to work from home and still make the most of your expat experience.
Everyday life
Respect, whether for individuals, the society, the laws, is a universal value. While it is usually the norm in your own country, it tends to be secondary when you move to another country. As an expat in a new place, you will try to forge a new status and identity. But while observing the people and the culture, it is quite natural to fall into the trap of systematic comparison. So how can you be respectful of the culture of your expat country without feeling superior to the locals?
Everyday life
We have all heard of the term “culture shock” before and probably have experienced it ourselves at one point or another when arriving somewhere new. That sense of being out of place and far away from your routine and familiarities can be fun and exciting. It can, however, also graduate to an uneasy feeling, where you catch yourself longing for the things you were accustomed to before. For some, this feeling might last a couple of hours. Others will have to deal with it for days, weeks or even months, depending on the destination and situation they find themselves in.
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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