Features
Health system
While most countries in the world have imposed strict travel restrictions, with some closing their borders until further notice, thousands of foreigners are currently stranded abroad. Impossible, for some, to go back home and escape the global health crisis. Hard for others to stay away from their loved ones during this period. Some of them have shared their feelings with 天美麻豆.
Health system
Since the beginning of this year, the Coronavirus epidemic has flung itself to every corner of the earth, affecting roughly 150 countries. Countries like Spain and Italy are completely shutting down. The United States is severely restricting air traffic from Europe. People in almost every country are becoming increasingly concerned for their loved ones, especially their elders. Stocks are plummeting and workers in almost every sector are on the brink of losing money. Below are the testimonials of expats in countries most affected by the outbreak.
Japan
As of March 18, 2020, Japan had 1,592 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a death poll of 29. Hokkaido, in the far north of Japan, is the most affected region, with 152 confirmed cases. Next comes Aichi, southwest of Tokyo (125 cases), and the very touristy Osaka (112 cases). Tokyo comes just behind, with 102 new infected cases.
Countries in South East Asia were the very first to be infected by the coronavirus outbreak. Here is an insight into the lives of expats in this part of the world as the epidemic is increasingly becoming under control.
USA
As the American authorities struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus, three expats share their experiences with us.
USA
As of March 16, 2020, the total Coronavirus cases in the United States are 3,487 and 68 deaths. However, the data changes day-by-day meteorically, and for the most up-to-date information regarding the U.S. one should be checking with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts agree that the number of infected people exceeds the number of laboratory-confirmed cases since many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic yet fully capable of infecting others.
England
On December 31st 2019, China alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to a growing number of pneumonia-like cases in Wuhan, caused by an unknown virus. By January 7th, the new virus had been identified and was later named COVID-19 - part of a family of coronaviruses that include the common cold and SARS.
Since the 14th of March, France is under lockdown. That's everything you need to know about the situation in the country right now.
Italy
Italians and foreign citizens living in Italy have been on lockdown since the 9th of March. France has also been under lockdown since the 16th of March and the situation in the UK is increasingly worrying. Estelle and Hermione, respectively in Rome and in Milan, give us an insight of life in Italy during this outbreak. British expat Ericka in France and French expat Caroline in London tells us a little about the situation in their host countries.
China
Is the worst behind us in China? It surely seems like the country is recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak and ready to tackle the aftermath. Here is everything expats and expats-to-be need to know about China's situation today.
Health system
“Can I travel to China?”, “Can I travel to Italy?”, “Can I travel to France?” If you were planning to settle in or travel to one of the countries affected by the Coronavirus soon, 天美麻豆 gives you the updates on the border controls around the world with a special focus on countries particularly affected by the Coronavirus.
Health system
Travelling during this time of pandemic is not recommended and potentially even banned depending on where in the world you live or where you want to go. However, you might be absolutely required to take a flight. And in this case, we have you covered. We have compiled a few tips which should help you before leaving while traveling and when you're reached your destination during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Health system
As China officially announced that the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak has been reached, the situation is slowly getting back to normal. Sumayyah Hosany, a Mauritian expat living in Wenzhou with her husband Hamad Abdul Zahir from Pakistan, talks to 天美麻豆 about her feelings about the pandemic. Both are doctors who have been volunteering in the Ouhai district in Wenzhou.
Health system
204, 404. This was the official number of cases of Coronavirus around the world on Wednesday afternoon with 157 countries and territories affected. As the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the world emergency by calling the virus a pandemic, leaders in affected countries are sounding the alarm. Lockdown, closure of institutions, non-essential public places and borders ... Drastic measures are taken to prevent the spread of the virus. The latest statistics indicate a total of 6,518 deaths worldwide, including a higher and increasing rate in China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, Spain, Germany, France and the United States. Here is a country by country breakdown of the most affected territories.
Italy
The Coronavirus outbreak has had the world holding its breath since the beginning of this year. While China has managed to minimize the spread of the virus, Italy is now the most affected countries of all and has been under lockdown since the 9th of March in order to contain the virus.
Tax
The amendment has sent shockwaves across the expat community in Portugal. On the 27th of January, the Portuguese government announced it would be reconsidering the fiscal advantages non habitual residents benefit from: tax exemption on foreign earned assets is officially over. Does this mean the end is in sight for Portugal as an expat destination?
Everyday life
A study run by 天美麻豆 and aiming at uncovering the repatriation habits of expats has found 65% of working expats seek work abroad but only want to live abroad temporarily. Indeed, only 35% of them consider permanent expatriation. Out of which a certain amount ends up coming back anyway.
Everyday life
A survey run by 天美麻豆 in November 2019 aims at uncovering the repatriation habits of expatriates. An important part of the survey was dedicated to understanding the approach of retirees to settling abroad. When they plan to live abroad, do they leave for a set duration or do they want to settle abroad permanently? And do they change their minds while abroad? The current survey shows that one in three retirees shorten their expatriation.
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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