Features
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.
Everyday life
If you've just retired or are about to retire, you might have considered a change of scenery for the rest of your life. But retiring abroad isn't all about choosing a destination based on the lifestyle you want to have. In this pandemic era, here are some crucial steps that you probably haven't thought of.
Accommodation
Housing is a significant cost for most expats, affecting their decisions of where to live and whether they should buy or rent. While the global house prices may have increased overall, there are still destinations with attractive home prices for expats. However, not all expats may want to buy homes either, and many factors affect a buy or rent decision.
Everyday life
COVID-19 vaccination is off to a good start for a long-lasting debate with thousands of people around the globe who are against it. Still, many countries are considering different means to boost their vaccination campaigns to achieve herd immunity as they reopen their borders. Among these measures are rewards and sanctions.
Schools & studies
Many international students who are currently unable to travel to their higher education destinations and hence engaging in distant learning from their home countries are missing the experiences of university life. The education experience has also changed for students already in their destination countries due to the ongoing remote learning. As borders reopen, many current and aspiring international students may continue to face challenges in relocating.
Everyday life
Around the world, many people, including expats, are against COVID-19 vaccination, but the rapid spread of the “Delta” variant has become a serious concern for many countries. Some of them are even considering making COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for children as borders are reopening and international flights are resuming.
Work
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Oman, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, are popular destinations for foreign workers of all skill levels. Following the news about the migrant exodus, however, expats interested in moving to the region may have some concerns about future employment opportunities. But not all hope is lost for potential job seekers.
Work
As countries worldwide reopen their borders, many professionals are putting their international mobility plans back on the table. However, there are a lot of things to consider before signing your new job contract in the COVID-19 era. Here are some tips that can help.
Everyday life
While COVID-19 vaccination campaigns are being criticised worldwide, expats in many countries are in turmoil due to inequalities. Besides the lack of trust in certain vaccines available locally and others not internationally recognised, thousands of expats have been set aside from the vaccination campaign in their host country.
Everyday life
As several countries, especially those in Europe, are gradually reopening their borders to foreign nationals, others are still hesitant. The United Kingdom, for example, has delayed its reopening due to the new Delta variant.
Everyday life
For those planning an international relocation, quality of life is a crucial element to consider. But how important is it to you, and how do you know when it's time to pack your bags and leave? Expats and future expatriates have shared their thoughts with us.
Work
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the global economy and changed business environments across countries, making some businesses successful while bankrupting others. As the vaccination programs give us hope of a post-pandemic era, entrepreneurs may want to find the best countries to start a business and business ideas that suit the changing world.
Work
Moving abroad for work doesn't just mean spending whole days at work just to earn a living. And especially amid the global health crisis. So if you're looking for a work-life balance, here are some of the best cities to consider.
Work
While remote work isn't a new phenomenon, living abroad in the past usually meant resigning from an existing job and starting over in a new country. The recent increase in remote work, however, is letting more people work on the same jobs or businesses from anywhere. As countries continue to introduce remote work visas, more opportunities are opening for future remote working expats.
Everyday life
Your sexual orientation can be a key factor in your international relocation plans, even if you haven't realised it yet. While many countries worldwide have made significant progress in recent years regarding LGBTQ rights, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage, in others, LGBTQ issues are still taboo.
Everyday life
COVID-19 vaccination has become a very sensitive issue. Should it become mandatory? Except in some countries and under certain conditions, vaccination is optional. Still, many people believe that vaccination could be the key to a return to normalcy.
Everyday life
The digital COVID-19 vaccine passports may shape the future of travel, but for now, there is no universal system. While we await the progress of vaccine passports, expats should keep their COVID-19 vaccine cards secure as proof of immunisation. This document could be essential for travel, relocation, and daily life.
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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