Features
Everyday life
Moving today, in times of a pandemic, seems like a risky idea bringing doubts even to the most eager of expats. While sometimes it is better to stay or return home, in some cases moving abroad now is an important decision that can lead to better and safer living conditions. Here are some common reasons to decide to move abroad now.
Visas
Expats choose a second citizenship for several reasons, including better opportunities for themselves and their families, stronger passports for travel freedom, and even as an alternative plan. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the situations for many expats, making their futures uncertain, and some with financial means may look to obtain another citizenship.
Work
There is a popular belief that expats tend to be wealthier than locals. The health crisis has paradoxically widened the field of possibilities. Most people look for a range of benefits along with better career prospects. But do you really have to move abroad for a better living?
Work
After living abroad for a long time, returning home can be an adventure in itself. The longer you have been away, the more it will take to get used to the mentality in your country. Luckily, experiences abroad are very important for the job search, and they will bring you an advantage in the labour market. Going back might sometimes feel like a reverse cultural shock and will take some adaptation time, but this can soon come to your benefit when looking for a job.
Everyday life
If you recently moved to a new country and are finding it hard to open up to others and connect, then keep on reading, because here you'll find the top 10 tips to make new connections and friends in a new country.
Work
Looking for a job in a foreign country is not always an easy task. It requires a good set of knowledge, an understanding of the labour market in the country you are applying to and readiness to make your qualities shine brighter than the other candidates. The rules depend mainly on the industry you apply to, but also on the specific requirements of the country.
Everyday life
While living abroad is a popular desire of many worldwide, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges for current and future expats that they perhaps didn't foresee. Some may have no choice but to return home due to changed circumstances in their host countries, while others may choose to return home, perhaps even leaving behind their dream destinations and careers.
Work
During the past year and a half, the COVID-19 crisis and new surges almost put economies worldwide at a standstill. But 2021 unveiled a variable world, with countries that manage to preserve and even boost their economy. Currently, many sectors are in turmoil and looking for qualified and skilled staff. So there are many opportunities for professionals who are looking to boost their careers overseas.
Everyday life
Many expats have seen their plans fall apart over the past year, with borders closing and lockdowns in place. Staying put has been the easiest and often the best thing to do, as we were all eagerly waiting for better times. As things are now finally starting to look up and international borders are re-opening, we can't help but wonder: are expats actually still keen to work and move abroad?
Everyday life
People choose to become expats for many reasons, including better futures for themselves and their families, have interesting experiences, and travel. Many countries also benefit from immigration and expat-presence. However, expat life also has inherent challenges, including facing discrimination against locals at times. Conversely, in some places, locals may view expats as privileged.
Schools & studies
Many international students and researchers are afraid of not being able to pursue their dreams to study abroad, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for travelling and issuing documents as visas.
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Crown Relocations
Thinking about moving and not sure where to start? We've put together our list of frequently asked moving questions to help you plan ahead for your next big move. You'll find details regarding everything you need to know from deadlines and packing tips to navigating a post-pandemic world and documentation advice. Answers from our move experts have got you covered.
Work
If ever there was a time to consider remote working, the past year has been it. Either forced or by choice, many of us have been spending most of our time at home, and while some would say they miss office life, others are taking this chance to exchange their current home office for a more tropical one.
Everyday life
Every year, many websites rank the most attractive expat destinations, taking into account factors like economic dynamism, quality of life, the healthcare system, etc. The climate is one thing that people often fail to consider before moving abroad. Will the latest natural disasters be a game-changer?
Everyday life
According to a recent article published in the Dutch media, 171,000 foreign nationals relocated to the Netherlands in 2020. This reflects 44,000 fewer expats compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic period. But it's worth noting that the pandemic has only slowed down the immigration trend.
Everyday life
Many expats are leaving their overseas dreams and returning home for COVID-19 pandemic-driven reasons, including job cuts, affordability, and to be with loved ones. An exodus of migrant workers may have negative impacts on economies already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, returning expats may need to adjust to a new lifestyle in their home countries all over again, especially after lengthy overseas stays.
Everyday life
Being an expat has many perks, especially for people who like to discover and explore. It is a great opportunity to have new and exciting experiences that may change our lives. However, not every opportunity abroad is a pleasant one. That's when we ask ourselves when is the right time to go back home.
Everyday life
Expats in South Africa, even those who live far from major cities, are quite terrified but also in doubt following the recent riots. The arrest of former President Jacob Zuma resulted in several days of violence and nearly two hundred deaths. South Africa is stuck between the pandemic and the social crisis.
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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