Moving from a liberal to a more conservative country...

In most of the other modern-day autocracies or those absolute monarchies that do not have a western tendency, it is a matter of knowledge, understanding and willingness to adapt to a particular lifestyle in a foreign political-cultural context. It gets easier as you go along, especially if you are male, young and unmarried, eager to experience new foreign environments, staying for a short stint and making a lot of money. 

In today's global, transparent political-economic context, very much informed by social media but also monitored by global institutions like the United Nations, it is not that easy anymore for governments and absolute monarchies, to get away with suppressive autocratic governance or dictatorship styles. The reality is that in most so-called authoritarian or dictatorial states, life goes on the same way as in a democracy and the majority of these countries do their best to adapt to the insecurities of expats and to manage environments and situations conducive for expatriates that could contribute to their economies. Life under “authoritarian or repressive” rule in most cases looks a lot like life in a democracy and vice versa. You work, you eat, you sleep, you make money, you have opportunities and events to relax and enjoy life, your children go to school etcetera. 

Yet, there are countries which expatriates should best avoid when resettling abroad. North Korea, today, is probably the best example of a still-functioning autocracy. This country maintains strict laws, rules and regulations that limit the movements of expatriates to the extreme. For example, you may not possess a cellular phone; you cannot access the internet; and emails and calling overseas are at a cost and monitored by government intelligence capacities. Expats are also not allowed to roam on their own; they are accompanied by guides. Photography is restricted to such an extent that you could easily find yourself locked up because of taking a wrong picture by accident. Another country that falls in this ambit, is Turkmenistan, cited by internationally renowned Human Rights Watch for its repressive measures and lack of human rights. 

If you are not sponsored by your government or a large multinational company, it is best to steer clear from these examples.  

Maybe the most challenging political environments to adapt to, are those of countries ruled on a religious basis, especially in the Arab and Muslim world, where Sharia Law regulates public behavior, private behavior and other beliefs. Not less than fifteen countries are governed by Sharia Law, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Coincidentally, these three Gulf States, also have the most expatriates per capita, in the world. In Qatar and the UAE there are more expats than national citizens. The salaries and allowances in these countries are also of the highest in the world.

Sharia Law is not directed at foreign expatriates – you do not have to become a Muslim or adhere to all the regulations, however, you may not in public disrespect Sharia Law and the Islam way of life. In this regard, countries like the mentioned ones expects the following from their citizens.

Sharia Law is most restrictive for women. For example, it is the law in Saudi Arabia as well as Iran, that all women wear an abaya, a full-length black dress, in public places. Men and women may not stay together if not married, a regulation even valid for expats, and same-sex relationships are not at all tolerated in the Muslim world. For these transgressions you may be expelled within twenty-four hours. In these countries, crimes like rape and murder are punished with death and for stealing, an arm can be amputated. Further to these huge fines are given if you are caught even smoking during Ramadan.

But these do not mean that you cannot move to any of the above countries. All you need is an open-mind and tolerance and respect. The following are a few hints:

• Fully acquaint yourself in advance about government styles and cultures that go contrary to the general freedoms you are used to in your country of origin. 
• Learn and understand Islamic law and customs.
• Try to find accommodation in the compounds constructed for expats. These tend to be very homely, sometimes luxurious, and conducive for living in accordance with the lifestyles at home. In the Gulf States most of these compounds would include swimming pools, restaurants, bars and a gym.  It provides a support network for expatriates who find it difficult in their new surroundings 
• When at work, familiarize yourself with the daily prayer hours and preferably limit your movements to your office.
• During Friday-prayers it is best to stay in your home until the “prayers” are completed – it only lasts for an hour. Thereafter you can drive around, do a barbeque, visit a mall etcetera.
• Avoid public interaction with the locals during the month of Ramadan. Because of the change in their eating and sleeping routine, they tend to be very feisty and agitated with non-believers. Be careful not to get involved in public squabbles over issues like service at a restaurant. 
• Limit alcohol intake at public venues like hotels and private clubs and pubs.  In all hotels in the Middle East, there are surveillance cameras monitoring you and any transgression, e.g. getting drunk at such venues, may cost you dearly.  
• Do not flirt with the local women. Police constantly look out for such violations.
• Foreign children are not able to attend Muslim schools, unless if they are Muslims. But all over the Middle East there are numerous international schools catering to the international community. These are however exceedingly expensive.

General Advice

In all of the mentioned cases, the following would assist you in adapting to your new non-democratic environment:

• Do not stereotype – you will not adapt. Be open-minded.
• Change your attitude, be patient, don't be aggressive, don't challenge the foreign styles and cultures. Rather join expat-groups where you can share your frustrations and arrive at the best approaches to deal with them.
• Its fine, and your choice, to embrace totally the “new” political system and culture, but be careful not to compromise your own identity. 
• Avoid getting involved in political debates and discussions with locals and strangers about the situation in the country where you reside. Many of the mentioned countries are known to deploy informers who are eager to impress their bosses and would deliberately strike up a controversial conversation to compromise you. 
• If you really cannot adapt and tend to isolate yourself, experiencing constant hostility in your new environment, this country is not made for you. Rather return home.