Features
Everyday life
Settling in South America can be daunting if you can't figure out where to start. From shipping some essential stuff you might need to finding a local market and grocery shop, here are tips from Jerry Nelson, an American expat who lives in Buenos Aires.
Moving
The Internet and specialised expat guides definitely help in planning an international relocation. Still, having personalised tips can go a long way. Our guest blogger, Jerry Nelson, asked a couple of long term travellers.
Work
The global health crisis had a significant impact on the global labour market, leading to a sharp rise in the unemployment rate. If you're looking for a job as an expat or you're looking to recruit, here is what foreign professionals bring to a business.
Work
Is a person ever too old to become a writer? Or an expat? For Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger from Argentina, the answer to both is no. You're never too old to become a writer and certainly not too old to be an expat.
Leisure
Movies can cheer you up if you're having a hard time away from your loved once during this festive season. Unable to go shopping or dine out as you would have wished to? No problem. Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger, has selected some of the best expat movies to cheer you up.
Everyday life
Less than a month before Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, many countries are still locked down. Some governments are planning to ease a couple of restrictions in the coming weeks, but they are likely to play it safe. Amid the global health crisis, what are Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations going to look like?
Health system
Nearly a year after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, a new vaccine was found with 95% efficacy. Developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, this vaccine should be available around the world from January 2021. Another vaccine, having the same rate of efficacy, has been developed simultaneously in Russia. Does this mean that travel and immigration can resume once people have been vaccinated?
Leisure
Thanksgiving is celebrated this Thursday 26th of November in the United States. This celebration kickstarts the end of year celebrations in this country. And soon the world with follow with Christmas and end of year gatherings, albeit online because of the pandemic. Here are a few tips for planning your online parties.
Israel
In the latest cost-of-living report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv is now the world's 5th most expensive city. While the Israeli capital ranks behind Zurich, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore, it is ahead of other large cities such as Osaka, Geneva, New York, Copenhagen and Los Angeles. What does this mean for expats?
Everyday life
This year, the festive season is going to be different, with the global health crisis and restrictions all around the world. Many countries have already decided to cancel their major annual events so as to prevent risks of contagion. As some of them went back into lockdown during the past few weeks, there won't be the usual crowds. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate Christmas and the New Year's Eve amidst the crisis.
Work
Malaysia is planning to reduce its foreign workforce in order to promote employment for Malaysians. Its approach is similar to that of other top expat destinations, such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, etc. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the opportunity to boost their economy by enhancing their image in the eyes of foreigners. What does this mean for foreign professionals who are looking to a career change overseas?
Formalities
Are you moving abroad with small children and wonder what in the world you were thinking? When you land you will immediately begin dealing with consumer concerns, and then the unpacking and organizing. You are doing all of this while taking care of young people who depend on you for nearly everything. Moving within your own country is a challenge, but moving to a foreign country brings about a significant change that can sometimes seem insurmountable. What can you do to preserve your own health and sanity? Stay calm, Mom or Dad, we have tips for you.
Visas
One of the world's most attractive expat destinations, not only for its economic prosperity and cultural heritage but also for its beautiful landscapes, Australia is set to become the new Eldorado for expatriates. With some 27,698 positive cases and fewer than 1,000 COVID-19-related deaths, the country chose to keep its borders closed until 2021, with a few exceptions. Australia is now looking to increase the number of places granted under its various immigration programs.
Everyday life
Whether you're a foodie or not, you're probably keen on getting a taste of Argentina's cuisine during your stay. Jerry Nelson, an American expat in Buenos Aires, tells you about some of the strangest dishes you might come across, based on his experience.
Everyday life
One of the world's most attractive expat destinations, especially for foreign professionals and investors, the United Arab Emirates recently amended some of their laws in light of the Dubai Expo which has been postponed to next year due to the global health crisis. What are these changes, and how will they affect the lives of expats?
Everyday life
With more than 12 million infections and more than 300,000 deaths, and a second wave that seems to be accelerating, many European countries went back into lockdown in recent weeks. Some of these countries are France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, as well as Greece. We have asked a few expats how they feel about the current lockdown.
Schools & studies
On October 2, 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that homeschooling would no longer be allowed in France from the start of the 2021 school year, except for medical reasons. Many families have been protesting against this decision, taking into account the fact that today more than 50,000 children are homeschooled. While in many countries, such as Germany, homeschooling is prohibited, it is legal in some countries and subject to conditions in others.
Moving
Haven't you ever thought of leaving everything behind to relocate to a remote island? With the global health crisis and current travel restrictions in many countries, it might now be the time to make your dream come true. A couple of exotic destinations, such as Mauritius, are launching new visas to attract expats, thus trying to boost their economy.
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.
"