Features

Is it a new way to attract international talent? Today, more and more professionals worldwide are seeking new career opportunities overseas. But these opportunities (despite the labor shortages in many countries) are not that easy to understand and to grasp. Even when job opportunities are available, the cumbersome administrative procedures could discourage even the most willing job seekers. So are jobseeker visas the answer to your questions? That would mean going abroad, not with a job already in hand but to look for a job. 

Living and working as an expat in a foreign country can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, rising rents in some of the world's most popular expat destinations are making it increasingly difficult for expats to afford to stay. Many are finding themselves priced out of the market and having to leave their adopted homes.

Many countries are grappling with a shortage of nurses, especially since the pandemic. Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Switzerland are all such countries. They have eased their requirements and are running recruitment events in other countries that have traditionally provided many immigrant nurses, notably the Philippines.

The journey of an expat is often filled with excitement, adventure, and opportunities for personal growth. However, amidst the allure of new experiences, there is an unspoken challenge that many expats face - the sense of not belonging. As they embark on this global odyssey, expats must grapple with a complex array of emotions and challenges, which include adapting to new cultures, languages, and social norms.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy said that you need to work harder to earn more. The now-popular phrase came out for the first time in 2007 during his campaign for the presidential election. But does working extra hours really mean making more money? In what countries is paid overtime guaranteed? Here are some tips to get you prepared.

You may think you found the dream job abroad, or you may just be contemplating an international career. Between the multiple job offers and recruitment websites available on the Internet, how can you be sure to apply for a company that really exists? What questions do you need to ask yourself to ensure you are working legally?

Embarking on an expat journey as a woman can be more challenging than for men. The level of safety and the stubbornness of patriarchal norms varies between countries. When women move abroad, they need to consider how this new country treats women and what gender norms reign in its corporate culture. Networking with both expat and local women can give them an emotional support system to navigate life there.

Engineering is a profession that plays a critical role in shaping the world around us. From developing innovative technologies to building complex infrastructure, engineers are at the forefront of driving progress and development. However, in recent years, many countries have been experiencing labor shortages in the engineering sector, which has opened up opportunities for engineers to work abroad.

Which countries have the most favorable tax systems for expats? If tax evasion is a crime, tax optimization (which consists in using legal means to reduce taxes) is quite normal. Some countries offer a particularly advantageous tax system for expatriates. But do these advantages always mean saving money? Are there other forms of taxes?

When considering public holidays, all countries are not on the same page, and expats do not benefit from all of them in the same way. Between religious festivals, national days, commemorations, and lunar or solar calendars, let's explore the countries with the world's highest numbers of public holidays and see where expats can get the most out of these holidays.

The government of Germany has developed this new program in association with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) bank to support homeowners concerned about the environment. Named the “Climate Friendly New Build", the credit plan grants credit facilities to owners buying or building a house. Let's have a closer look at it and how expats can benefit from it.

The Omani private sector is rubbing its hands. For the past year, expatriates over the age of 60 have been able to continue working in Oman, thanks to a circular from the country's Ministry of Labor, which lifted the age limit for expatriate workers. It's believed that senior professionals have not only the knowledge and technical skills but also the experience, patience and resilience that are essential for the smooth running of a business. But is this measure open to all? Under which conditions can one work after 60 years of age?

Countries worldwide are facing labor shortages, and Europe is no exception. Unemployment rates are at historic lows, and job vacancies are at record highs. Companies are finding it hard to hire qualified employees. Besides increasing training among locals, skilled immigration seems to be the ideal solution. What are the programs set up by European Union countries to attract foreign talent, and what are their benefits?

International Women's Day, observed on March 8, was yet another opportunity for worldwide mobilization. Spain seized this opportunity to unveil its new bill that aims at accelerating parity at decision-making levels. But what about other countries? Which ones have laws and/or quota systems to promote the presence of women in decision-making instances? Are we moving towards a breakthrough in women's rights? What are the implications for expatriate women?

As reported by The Guardian, a recent study of the World Values Survey Wave found that among 24 countries, the UK's population has the most positive view of immigration. 71% of the British population doesn't think that locals should be prioritized over expats in hiring practices. At the same time, part of the UK government is keen on restricting immigration – a position that is in opposition to wider public opinion.

Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.

The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?

To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?