Features
Everyday life
Every year, World Environment Day is observed on June 5. But it's important to realise that preserving the environment is not a single day's affair. Also, everyone should be concerned, even expats living abroad. Clémence, an entrepreneur and expatriate in Sri Lanka, and Pyotr, an expat in the US, talks to us about simple actions that can help make the world a better place.
Tax
There are many reasons for moving abroad, like better career opportunities, higher wages, a better quality of life, higher living standards, etc. But have you ever considered the different types of taxes you could pay as an expat employee, business owner or retiree?
Everyday life
A bustling nightlife, entertainment for all tastes and interesting spots to visit are what most expats usually look for when planning their move abroad. Rarely do they think about their physical and mental well-being. So here is an insight into the cities where you're more likely to enjoy a good night's sleep without any stress.
Everyday life
The pandemic has made living abroad even more challenging for trailing spouses. Many of them are still struggling with their daily stay-at-home routine and lockdown restrictions, while their significant other is having an almost regular routine. Here's what Kate, an expat coach in the USA, has to say to trailing spouses.
Everyday life
Relocating abroad does not mean giving up your responsibilities and even your civic rights, including your right to vote. The United Kingdom has finally recognized this and is planning to grant Britons who have spent more than 15 years abroad the right to vote in the general elections. Fortunately, the United Kingdom is not the only one to honour this right; although things are quite tricky in some countries.
Everyday life
Recommended by the European Commission, the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine passport is currently being debated by many countries. This document could be crucial for the kickstart of the travel and relocation industries, whether in the European Union or elsewhere.
Work
In recent decades, capitals and the world's largest cities, such as New York, London, Paris, or Beijing and Tokyo, have been the most appealing to professional looking to boost their career overseas. While they do have their charm and assets, many other cities offer a range of benefits, especially in the COVID-19 era that has transformed labour market needs.
Everyday life
The global health crisis had a considerable impact on international travel and relocation, especially regarding overseas retirement plans. But with the gradual reopening of borders around the world, people are rethinking their overseas retirement plans with new priorities.
Everyday life
As France is gradually ending its lockdown restrictions, people are now breathing again like many other European countries. Since nonessential businesses have reopened, terraces are full every day. What makes them so important, especially in Covid times?
Everyday life
Andre calls himself a wanderer. His experience of travelling in more than 50 countries and living in some of them turned him into an author recently. He talks to us about his book and gives out some tips for growing into your best self as an expat.
Visas
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, recently introduced citizenship by investment program to attract wealthy expats. And this is great news for those who would like to reap the long term benefits of living in this Middle East country. But the United Arab Emirates is not the only country to boost investment initiatives in the COVID-19 era.
Everyday life
What used to be one of the world's most attractive expat destinations, Hong Kong is now facing a sort of expat exodus. A long wave of protests in 2019, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, definitely account for this situation. Let's have a closer look.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is a real challenge. Unfortunately, not everyone is conscious of this! People who have never travelled or lived abroad usually have a lot of misconceptions about expat life. So here are some of the most common remarks you should expect from people abroad or your friends and family in your home country.
Everyday life
Moving abroad isn't an easy step, whether you are alone or with your family. It's much more than a travel plan; it's actually a long term plan. But even though you're well prepared, there are some things you've usually been taking for granted that will strike you once you're an expat.
Banks and finance
Today, international money transfers are a common thing. While some expats regularly transfer money to their families abroad to support them, others are trying to materialise their dreams. But regardless of your reasons for transferring money abroad, here are some key points to consider.
Everyday life
The UAE recently introduced a points-based rewards system to encourage its residents to eat healthy and keep fit. These points can be used to redeem a range of public services. But in many countries, healthy eating is an essential part of the lifestyle. Let's have a look at some of them.
Work
According to the International Labour Office (ILO), since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, nearly 305 million full-time employees worldwide have lost their jobs. Even though things have started to improve, there is now an urgent need for professionals to upgrade their skills to adapt to the needs of the global labour market.
Everyday life
In the COVID-19 era, many countries such as Canada, New Zealand and South Korea are placing their bets on immigration for economic recovery. Can immigration be the answer to the current economic downturn?
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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