Features
Work
Despite the global economic and labour market crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic turned out as a boost for entrepreneurs around the world. The lockdown during the past few months gave rise to a wide range of innovative ideas and concepts with the use of technology and skills held by aspiring entrepreneurs. So how do you become a successful expat entrepreneur in the post-COVID-19 era?
Everyday life
When a couple moves abroad for career reasons, this can sometimes mean that one person is quickly immersed in a demanding new job, and the other suddenly finds themselves in the role of a 'support act'. How come some people can adapt to this transition to 'the other half' with ease, while for others, regrets and resentments begin to surface? And how can we deal with this? London-based psychotherapist Paul Carslake offers some ideas.
Work
Whether you are already working abroad or are looking forward to moving after the COVID-19 crisis, your rights as an employee will be a major concern. Today, some countries are doing their best to avoid mass layoffs and to guarantee the protection of workers' rights. Let's have a look at how they are dealing with the current situation.
Work
The coronavirus gave rise to a real crisis in the Middle East, and we are not just talking about the health crisis here. Expats have been leaving massively during the past few months due to job losses and salary cuts. What does this mean for the economies and labour markets of these popular expat destinations? Let's have a look.
Moving
The global health crisis, without a doubt, is having a significant impact on expatriation. Taking into account the health risks and current travel restrictions, some people simply had to give up on their projects. Others, however, are impatiently waiting for things to get back on track and travel restrictions to be lifted to be able to pursue their dreams. Soon, hopefully. They talk to us about their plans.
Everyday life
For most of us, the past few months practically translated into isolation. Not being able to have a drink or grab a bite with friends, go clubbing, or chat-chat with people at the park has been a real challenge for some. Now that the lockdown has come to an end in most countries, even though we still have to take precautions, it's high time to socialise. Here are some tips for getting started.
Moving
If you were planning to move abroad this year, the COVID-19 crisis probably had a considerable impact on your plans. Health risks and travel restrictions are challenging your expectations, depending on the purpose of your trip: work, studies, retirement, etc. But regardless of the reasons you've chosen to move abroad, there are many factors to consider, such as the quality of life, the cost of living, as well as healthcare, etc. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your project.
Health system
It wouldn't be wrong to say that the coronavirus pandemic hasn't spared any country. Today, we have more than 9 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world and a death toll of nearly 500,000. On the other hand, you will agree that some countries had a better response than others. Let's take a look at the measures they took to protect their populations.
Leisure
June 21, summer solstice, live music that resonates on the streets, outdoor concerts and people dancing like nobody's watching. Everyone is invited to attend! Since 1982 the Music Festival has always been celebrated like this in several countries around the world, with friends, family, strangers and at the rhythm of notes and light-heartedness. But this year the restrictions on social gatherings make things a little different and the celebrations will mainly take place online. Here is an overview of how we can get organized this year.
Everyday life
This week, the Expat Mag is offering you a special dossier. Our team has attempted to anticipate the new expatriation trends imposed on us by the COVID-19 crisis. Julien, the founder of 天美麻豆, gives us an insight of what could be the changes over the next few months...
Schools & studies
What will universities and schools look like this fall and later on? If you are currently planning to study abroad or are looking back at the plans you made before the COVID-19 pandemic, here's what you should know.
Work
We are not safe yet from the sanitary threat posed by the COVID-19 and we already have to deal with the economic aftermath of the crisis. With the impact on jobs around the world, here is how working abroad could change in the next few months...
Formalities
天美麻豆 is launching a special dossier over the coming week. We aim to uncover the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on global mobility. Indeed, the pandemic has brought very significant changes to our way of life. What will be the consequences for those who want to spend their retirement abroad after the crisis?
Everyday life
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, 天美麻豆 and April International set out to find out what expatriates' responses to the crisis was. We found that while most expats chose to remain in their host country ahead of the crisis, 18% did fly home and another 38% will be heading home once the crisis is over. Find out what else our survey reveals.
Children
From the US to Switzerland: This young mom working in finance in Switzerland tells 天美麻豆 about her experience having a baby abroad…
For some countries and cities, air pollution is a considerable problem. Closely linked to a range of health problems including cardiovascular and lung diseases, it can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and even depression. The very young and those over 60 are at highest risk.
Children
For families, moving abroad with children comes hand-in-hand with much bigger questions than those faced by the single expatriate. While the decision to move children abroad can seem daunting, the influence of a new culture, atmosphere, school system and perhaps language can be enormously enriching for their life to come - and offers the kind of experience they simply wouldn't get in their native schoolrooms. Of course, there are a few key things to consider, so to help get the ball rolling, you'll find below some key things to think about if you're planning a move abroad with kids.
Moving
Some would say that it's too early to speak about moving abroad in the current context, but let's remain objective. While many countries around the world have been seriously affected by the coronavirus, others have managed to control its spread by taking necessary measures. The lockdown has come to an end in many countries, borders are opening gradually, and flights are resuming, under certain conditions. This doesn't mean that you should go right ahead and book a flight, but maybe you could start all over again with planning your move abroad.
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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