Expat news
Pets
Bringing your pets along during your travels has always been cumbersome, requiring more planning, more paperwork, and considerable fees. With international pet relocation fees skyrocketing in various countries, expatriates have to rethink their plans. Here's what you need to know about the cost of moving abroad with pets.
Formalities
Several countries are grappling with labor shortages and are adapting their immigration policies accordingly. There's a high demand for skilled workers, although they may face challenges due to policies aimed at prioritizing national employment. Balancing the encouragement of local employment with promoting international mobility poses a significant challenge for governments.
Tax
Combating international tax fraud remains a work in progress. Although far from complete, governments are pleased to note significant advancements since cooperation was bolstered. Tax authorities find an unexpected ally in their efforts to monitor foreign bank accounts: social media.
USA
Major changes are on the horizon for the widely-used H-1B visa, with potential impacts on other visa categories. Additionally, significant hikes in visa fees are expected, posing a substantial consideration for those planning to relocate to the United States. Here's what you need to know.
Everyday life
Recent studies show that more Americans are moving abroad than ever before. The United Kingdom is challenging Canada as the most popular English-speaking destination, while the United States' other neighbor, Mexico, remains the second most preferred destination. New Zealand is also increasingly popular. Better life-work balance and a lower cost of living are the leading reasons for moving abroad.
Everyday life
With around 3.5 million British expats living in different countries all around the world, it comes as no surprise that a large number of them consider it to be the best decision they've ever made. A recent study by iFast Global Bank, which polled 600 adults, showed that over two-thirds of British expats were happy with their move abroad. The remaining one-third of expats polled decided to move back home, as they couldn't deal with being away.
Visas
Canada remains a magnet for expats worldwide, but recent policy shifts are putting extra financial strain on those considering the move. Relocating there was already costly, and new visa changes are set to hike expenses further. Will this deter potential expats?
Everyday life
Despite a decrease in Dengue fever cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a resurgence since 2023. This increase has caused outbreaks in countries that were previously unaffected, sparking concern among people considering a move abroad.
Tax
Government tax announcements frequently raise concerns and set the course for economic and social policies. Will there be greater aid for individuals or raised taxes for particular groups? Concurrently, inflation worries everyone, impacting populations differently and shaping expatriates' financial plans. Here's an overview of the tax changes expatriates can anticipate in 2024 across favored destinations.
Schools & studies
International student mobility is increasingly important in the strategies of countries vying to attract foreign talent. Are the top choices of 2024 still the countries usually favored by international students? What are the new priorities of international students?
France
The immigration law was recently enacted, yet tensions show no signs of easing. Meanwhile, the French government has released figures it believes highlight the positive outcomes of the reforms. Let's take a look at the chronicles of a chaotic reform.
Germany
With the Skilled Immigration Act of 2023, Germany has been enacting new immigration reforms to make immigration easier for highly-skilled expats. Applications for the Opportunity Card will start from June 2024. This visa allows skilled expats who pass a points test to move to Germany for one year without any work contract. They can use that year to look for a job in the country itself.
Work
Popular expat destinations are facing challenges. Real estate remains in a slump, impacting various sectors within the industry. But despite the real estate downturn in several countries, there are still labor shortages in related fields. If you're considering a move to one of these countries, let's look at the state of the job market and the solutions for these sectors.
Formalities
Another country has decided to withdraw from the contentious Golden Visa program. As governments continue their efforts to attract foreign talent and affluent expatriates, they are exploring alternative approaches such as family visas, permanent residency, and employment programs. Let's explore these different strategies.
Work
The increasing number of natural and climate disasters reminds the world that time is not on its side. Fossil fuels are dwindling and facing growing criticism. Green energy is gaining ground, even among major oil-producing countries. Let's take a closer look at these countries seeking to diversify their economies and how this will affect international mobility.
Formalities
In mid-January 2024, the UK government voted to overturn a rule that used to bar British expats who'd been abroad for 15 years or longer from voting. This means that in the upcoming general elections in late 2024, around 3.5 million Britons should be able to vote from abroad.
Work
Expats were thought to have been swept away by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by the rise of remote work. Recent international upheavals were expected to hasten the end of expatriation. But that was without taking into account labor shortages, which are prompting governments to roll out the red carpet for foreign workers. Even the most conservative among them are opening the door to them. Let us take a closer look.
Formalities
Nationals of the most powerful visa-issuing states can rejoice. They have access to nearly 200 visa-free destinations. But besides this considerable benefit, what are the challenges for international mobility? How do these agreements between countries affect plans to move abroad?
Other Types
Accommodation
There are lots of reasons why you may be considering purchasing property abroad. First, owning property comes with stability and security, which is something expats often long for after relocation. You will also finally be able to style your home as you like, bringing in the little decor elements that you hold dear.
Everyday life
Are you thinking about living abroad? Perhaps you've considered it for a long time but haven't dared to take the plunge. It never seems like the right time due to inflation, rising living costs, and the fear of failing. But you could see these challenges as opportunities instead. Here are 50 reasons (and there are many more!) to live your dream of expatriation at least once.
Everyday life
We rarely consider our gut health and diet when moving abroad. Before leaving, our minds are consumed with travel preparations. The initial phase of expat life often coincides with a honeymoon period. Then comes the necessary adaptation, where daily life takes over. "The Expat Gut Health Survey: How Symptoms Can Impact Life Abroad," a study by Allianz Care, published on May 29, surveyed over 3,000 expats worldwide and unveils the link between gut health and quality of life.
Formalities
One of the most anticipated elections of the year is approaching. Will the European Union (EU) emerge from these elections more divided, or will it strengthen its unity? As we await the final predictions and, more importantly, the first results, let's examine the voting procedures. What conditions must expatriates meet to vote in the European elections? Are European expatriates living within or outside the EU treated the same way?
Everyday life
When living abroad and planning to have a child, many factors come into play: healthcare, maternity support, parental leave, daycare, and more. This wonderful life event requires good organization, especially when you're an expat. One important aspect to consider (if you choose to) is breastfeeding, particularly in public spaces. While natural, breastfeeding can be controversial, heavily criticized, discouraged, or even banned in some countries.
Work
A new trend among dynamic employees is working while walking, which not only boosts office performance but also enhances overall life productivity. As awareness of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle grows, new work methods are emerging. It's also a matter of well-being, essential for better work performance. Here's everything you need to know if you're planning a professional adventure abroad.
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