Features
Work
You will agree that moving abroad, whether alone or with your family, has never been an easy thing. It's, therefore, crucial to have proper planning, but above all, keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. If the global health crisis has compromised your stay abroad, here are some tips for survival.
Saudi Arabia
"If you are young, do not be afraid to change your life because living in a different country broadens your horizons. At the end of this adventure I will take my abaya with me as a symbol of the efforts I have made and the courage I have put in!" Camilla tells us about her life and work experience in Saudi Arabia. Read the interview to find out her story.
It is a whole new world as countries start to slowly emerge out of the restrictive lockdown periods. With new social distancing rules to prevent further spread of the virus, countries and businesses around the world are coming up with super inventive ways to keep living despite the new circumstances.
Work
Here is how French expat Valérie* dealt with losing her job amidst the crisis...
Everyday life
Do you remember that day when you finally decided to be brave enough to pack up your things and move to a new place? You were all excited and pumped and couldn't wait to tell your friends and family. In the end, many of them were probably very happy for you, but still asked a lot of things you cannot stand hearing anymore.
Children
In the past three decades, an increase in freedom of expression of identity and growth of women's empowerment and financial independence have led to the rise in single-parent families. What's more, single parents don't compromise with a mediocre life, but they are in pursuit of their dreams, career success, and a high-standard nurturing environment for their children...
Moving
Due to the rapid evolution of COVID-19, most countries around the globe had to implement strict border controls. For more than two months, only repatriation and essential commercial flights were authorised. Maritime and land transport were also severely affected – all this having a significant impact on immigration and the global economy as a whole. Today, many countries are preparing to lift border restrictions, but under certain conditions. What does that mean?
Everyday life
Life is slowly going back to normal in several countries around the world. Although cautiously and with different rules, borders are reopening and commercial airlines are starting to fly again. An update on the situation.
Sweden
Thibauld, who lives and works in Stockholm, has written a guide to help expats learn the language of their host country. He tells 天美麻豆 about what he has learnt and gives us a few tips.
Work
The health crisis linked to the spread of coronavirus has had a strong impact on world economies. While some countries are still in the middle of the crisis, others have come out of the lockdown and are taking action to give a boost and new life to their economy. Let's see together what are the measures implemented by some nations.
Everyday life
After having been on lockdown for several months, you might find it harder to go back to work or experience serious distress or anxiety about things as trivial as going to the supermarket. Do not panic! This is absolutely normal. Here is what Giuditta Petrella, psychologist and psychotherapist, has to say about what is called the Cabin syndrome.
Schools & studies
Life is slowly getting back to normal in many countries around the world as the lockdown ends. Even though health risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic are still real, schools have also started reopening, under certain conditions. Here's an overview of what's going on around the world.
If you had the money to buy citizenship to a COVID-19-free country, would you do it? Since the beginning of the year, citizenship applications from the super rich through Henley & Partners have increased by 42%.
Leisure
It is already late spring: the days have lengthened in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is out and the summer holiday period is upon us. This year, however, everything is different because the global health crisis requires us to change habits. Many countries have started loosening the lockdown, but that doesn't mean we can move freely around the holidays or resume life as we left before COVID-19. So whether you're in the Northern hemisphere and wanting to enjoy the sunshine or are thinking of taking some time off after the crisis, here are some ideas!
United Arab Emirates
As from June 1st, holders of valid resident visas who are stranded abroad due to current travel restrictions will be allowed to return to the United Arab Emirates. This news comes as a relief for many of them who have been waiting to reunite with their families.
Visas
Today, many expats around the world are worried about their stay abroad, especially those whose visa expires soon or has already expired. Given the current travel restrictions, they are not able to go back home. Many countries have thus resolved to grant visa extensions and other benefits to foreign nationals who are already on their territory, but this comes with certain conditions. Here is what you should know.
Everyday life
After being locked down for two months, many countries around the world have begun to breathe again. Let's have a look at how some of these countries are dealing with the end of lockdown.
Everyday life
Moving to a new country for work, studies or simply out of curiosity is often a thrilling adventure. It is the discovery of a whole new world, with exposure to new cultures and sceneries. Often, the first few exploration weeks are dream-like. But unfortunately, the thrill may subside as quickly as it surged – leading to that very specific statement: this is not what you expected!
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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