Features
Health system
Everything you need to keep in mind with respect to your health before going on your adventure abroad.
USA
15th of June. This is the deadline for filing tax returns for United States Citizens and green-card holders living outside of the US. Indeed, while the deadline to complete the tax return exercise is the 15th of April for US residents, US expatriates automatically have a two month extension. Two months ahead of the deadline, this is where to start:
England
German speakers, now is your time to shine in the United Kingdom. According to a research by the global employment website Indeed, the need for German speakers on the job market has peaked in the last three years German becoming the most-sought after language skills. At the same time, research by the BBC has shown that students choosing to study foreign languages at GCSE is at an all time low.
South Africans working abroad will be required to pay taxes in their home country if their earnings exceed 1 million rand, around $ 75, 000 per year.
If you are working in Spain or planning to move to Spain, it is worth knowing that as from the 1st of April, fathers are entitled to eight months of paid leave on the birth of a newborn baby or the adoption of a child.
Work
Equal Pay Day was observed on the 2nd of april this year. In America, the date coincides with how many days into the year a woman will have to work in order to earn what her male counterpart has earned the previous year. Equal Pay Day is also observed in the United Kingdom, Germany and several countries in the European Union although on different dates. This year, 天美麻豆 brings you the countries that have the worse gender pay gap according to 2018 report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Schools & studies
For many years, the USA has remained one of the top destinations worldwide for working and studying abroad. However, the latest statistics show a significant drop in the number of enrollments at American universities (6.6% according to a study conducted by the Institute for International Education) in the past few years. What explains this decline and where are international students now moving to?
Ireland
In Ireland, spouses of non-EEA work permit holders did not, de facto, obtain a work permit. They were allowed to look for jobs with employers which would in turn sponsor their work permits. But this has changed now.
Everyday life
Few surprises this year for the ranking of the world's happiest countries. For yet another year, the World Happiness Report has ranked Finland the world's happiest country. Austria has made its way to the top 10, kicking out Australia. Social support, GDP, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption have been factored in by the World Happiness Institute while combining this ranking.
USA
Corne Beneke is in his first year of an actuarial sciences degree at the Oral Roberts University in the United States. Holder of academic scholarships, Corne tells 天美麻豆 what to expect when applying to American universities…
Everyday life
Following ranking of cities with the highest cost of living published by The Economist Intelligence Unit in mid-march, 天美麻豆 analyses what has changed in the past 12 months.
Schools & studies
As part of new International Education Strategy to increase income generated by international students in the UK, British authorities will now allow students to stay for up to a year after completion of their study program.
Work
It is a known fact, there are more expats than citizens in the UAE. For the past 7 years, however, the UAE Government has pushed for more Emiratis to be hired, especially within the private sector, than expatriates. How has this move changed the dynamics for expats?
Formalities
Frédéric Varin et Valérie Marmey-Ravau, from The High Council of French Notariat, answer 天美麻豆's questions on the recent changes in how matrimonial regimes are regulated in Europe.
Everyday life
Theresa May will ask the European Union for a delay regarding Brexit. In the meantime, expats in the UK and British expats abroad clench their jaws, unsure what to expect.
Malaysia
The Malaysian government is phasing out the Employment Passes Category 2 and 3 and also changing marriage laws for expatriates.
Cost of living
For those looking to work and live in Europe, finding affordable accommodation can be a real challenge. In fact, most of the popular expat destinations in Europe are known for their high rent prices. However, to help you choose wisely – especially if you have a tight budget – here are some of the most expensive European cities to live in according to the latest study by ECA International.
Everyday life
According to 34 000 city dwellers interviewed by TimeOut, New-York is the best city in the world! Melbourne and Chicago come next! Ranking is based on residents' feedback on food, drink, culture, affordability, overall life satisfaction and a few other factors.
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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