Expat news

In multiple Western countries, prospective international students from Africa face visa rejection rates of over 30-50%. Data from Canada, the United States and France show extremely different visa acceptance rates for international students from different parts of the world – even if they've all been accepted by recognized universities. Those from Europe and North America are rarely rejected; those from Asia and Latin America have a higher visa rejection rate, while over half of qualified Africans don't manage to get a visa. Africans are often required to submit more documents with their visa application, and they face racism-driven suspicion from visa officials.

Governments are taking action in a world still facing significant labor shortages and grappling with inflation that is pressurizing budgets. Some are opting to relax the rules for hiring foreign talent, while others are moving in the opposite direction by imposing restrictions to curb immigration. Here's what you need to know.

Italy, which already has one of the strictest laws on surrogacy, is taking another historical turn. Does this imply new challenges for parenthood and abortion rights? What is the situation like in other countries?

When it comes to moving abroad for work, salaries, professional growth, and work/life balance are crucial considerations. Some countries are known for higher salaries, while others are making efforts to attract foreign talent with lucrative compensation packages. As a prospective expat, how can you make the best decision?

Why are companies struggling to recruit despite labor shortages? In countries like France, Germany and the UK, recruitment difficulties are hampering the dynamism and growth of the labor market. What does this mean for professionals with moving abroad plans? Is it the right time to move overseas?

Canada has been facing a severe skills shortage for several years. Some fields, particularly Tech and innovation, are in a particularly critical situation and are seeking help from the government. The authorities subsequently unveiled new measures to attract and, more importantly, retain foreign talent.

During the 75th Conference of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), which took place between May 30 and June 2, education policymakers gathered in Washington to share their plans to attract more international students. The conference's themes were centered around inspiration and inclusion. Countries have recognized the importance of investing in welcoming and training international students to retain talent. So, which countries are currently the most attractive to international students?

In October 2022, the world feared that the dollar's rise would fuel a new inflationary spiral. It was then referred to as the "unstoppable force of the dollar," powerful enough to shake the currencies of major economies like Japan, the Eurozone, and the United Kingdom. However, in December, the tone changed: the dollar experienced a slight decline but remained strong, continuing to be the safe haven of 2023. On the other hand, other major currencies continued to weaken. Nonetheless, some countries resisted, mainly in emerging economies. What are the consequences for expats' finances?

A new law was enacted in China on July 1, 2023. It broadens the scope of what is considered espionage and grants the Chinese government increased authority to address perceived threats to national security. Here's what it means for expats. 

The 17th edition of the Global Gender Gap, released on June 20, 2023, examines the progress of gender equality across four key areas: health and survival, education, the economy, and empowerment. Established in 2006, the Global Gender Gap Index is the longest-standing measurement of its kind. What insights can we gather from this latest edition? What transformations are occurring in various countries? Are we observing positive advancements or a concerning decline in the overall situation?

Diplomatic negotiations between the US and India have paid off for Indian expats in the States. Many of these expats have been affected by the 2023 tech layoff, which put their right to remain in the US as well as Green Card applications, in danger. In June, President Biden announced a pilot program allowing laid-off expats to get a one-year work authorization document while they find another sponsor.

Long considered a significant drawback, gaps in a CV are gradually becoming more accepted in the international job market. Championed by young foreign talents and increasingly accepted by employers, career breaks have become a new trend. Young professionals are taking time off to find a better position, whether locally or abroad. How do international job seekers justify their choices, and how do employers react?

As you settle into your new expat life, you begin to find your bearings. Between housing, transportation, food and extras, how do you spend your money? What are your priorities for keeping control of your budget?