Expat news

At the end of March 2022, Shanghai went under a stringent lockdown. Its 25 million citizens were then unaware of what they would endure for more than two months, even when the authorities announced that they had come to terms with the COVID pandemic. It was mostly the morale of the inhabitants that got affected. Among them were expats who were increasingly worried about their future in the cosmopolitan Chinese city. One year later, China is back on the international scene. Tourists are expected to flow in again. But will the expatriates come back to Shanghai? Many observers believe that the wound will be hard to heal.

In March, the Norwegian parliament approved a policy to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area. This will apply from Fall 2023. However, critics from within the higher education sector are protesting that it will damage the reputation of Norwegian universities and Norway's image as an egalitarian society.

Is the American dream getting more expensive? Well, the country recently announced a rise in fees for a couple of visas. They expect this measure to help them continue providing their services. But how is this rise going to affect immigration to the US and the country's attractiveness?

Economies across Europe have been having a hard time due to labor shortages since 2022, and 2023 doesn't look better. Since last year, many of these countries have also embarked on immigration reforms to attract foreign talent. But the battle isn't over yet, as retaining these talents is another challenge. Here's an insight into their strategies.

As Vietnam continues to emerge as a key player in the global economy, the country is facing a significant challenge - a shortage of skilled labor and talent. With a rapidly growing economy and increasing demand for skilled workers across a range of industries, Vietnam is struggling to keep pace with the needs of its businesses. In this article, we will explore the causes of Vietnam's labor and talent shortages, the impact on the economy, and potential solutions for addressing this pressing issue.

The United Arab Emirates is still facing significant labor shortages despite its multiple strategies to fill in the gaps. In Dubai, the impacted public sector is opening its doors to international talent. But the Emirate doesn't want to limit itself to simply recruiting foreign workers. Behind this vast recruitment campaign is a broader project to attract more investors and foreign talent.

On Wednesday, March 15, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced a large-scale recruitment campaign for foreign computer scientists and other technology specialists. For successful candidates, there are promises of easier immigration procedures, a stay without a fixed end period, and the possibility of bringing one's whole family. Yet, behind this semblance of openness lies the reality that has caught up with Russia since it declared war on Ukraine. Here's an analysis of the situation.

Choosing your expat country needs proper planning as it's not something that can be improvised. Whether you are going to study, work or start a business abroad, there are many criteria like professional opportunities, living environment, inclusiveness, salary levels, and taxes, amongst others, to consider before taking the leap. The 2023 edition of OECD's Indicators of Talent Attractiveness (ITA) focuses on countries' ability to attract expats. The degree of attractiveness varies according to the expatriate's status and requirements. Here's an insight into the key findings.

With the red carpet and plenty of attention deployed, foreign workers are welcome and highly expected in the United Kingdom. The British government is thus responding to the pressing demands of British employers facing an acute labor shortage. That comes as a surprise move as the UK, at the same time, seems to be tightening the rules for international students who want to study in the country. What should we understand of the British strategy?

Today, the American dream looks more and more difficult to achieve. Foreign professionals looking to work in the US expose numerous obstacles that even businesses find hard to overcome. To keep their foreign workforce, some of them have opted for relocation, not of their offices but of their international employees. So how does this affect the US workforce?

The United Arab Emirates looks like they are quickly achieving its goals! In the early months of the Covid pandemic, the country soon became an ideal destination for expatriates. But today, the communication campaign is coupled with long-term and ambitious changes to attract more foreigners. There are the new visas, the extension of the categories of eligible applicants for the Golden Visa, along with the relaxation of some rules regarding the consumption of alcohol, etc. The new measures confirm the trend. 

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?