Emerging expat destinations
Despite the alarming situation worldwide, most of the foreigners believe that the standard of living in their host country is higher compared to their home country This is, at least, one of the main findings of the HSBC Expat explorer 2021. 67% of respondents say they are happy. The unparalleled global context has enabled them to rediscover their host country, better understand its culture, and experience everyday life differently.
Several countries are considered very welcoming, with Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland topping the list. 62% of expats in Australia were enjoying their lifestyle compared to 61% of those living in Switzerland and New Zealand.
Greece, is an emerging country, paving its way in the top 20. The country's economic situation has contributed to its ranking. Last September, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a 5,9% economic growth. Previously, economic growth was forecasted at 3,6%. Partial lockdown measures introduced at the start and in the middle of the year did not have a negative impact on economic growth; on the contrary, there was a 3,4% rise in the second quarter compared to the first one. One-third of expat respondents have witnessed a rise in their revenue. For the others (59%), the economic situation was not really a problem.
Better career prospects and work-life balance have always been priorities for expats. But things seem to have changed in the pandemic era. Self-fulfilment, personal development and enhanced quality of life have become equally important. For instance, expats in New Zealand claim to have a better work/ life balance (77%), followed by expats in Australia (74%), Cyprus and Spain (74%). More than half of the expatriates in Greece have experienced an improvement in their work-life balance. This has contributed to better self-fulfilment. Expats in Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and India have this sense of self-fulfilment. Moving to a foreign country is not an easy choice, and some countries are not so easy to adapt to. But despite all difficulties and misconceptions, these expatriates have discovered and embraced a new culture.
These countries are losing the interest of expats
Japan is no longer among the top expat destinations due to its strict COVID-19-related policies. Different procedures for Japanese and foreign businesspeople since the early days of the pandemic (more straightforward travel conditions for the Japanese), long delays in the processing of student visa applications (Japan is the only G7 country with an entry ban), closed borders, etc., are repealing factors. The State of Emergency was lifted on October 1st. Before that date, only Japanese nationals and foreign residents were allowed into the country. But since October 1st, individuals with a solid reason or who are about to obtain their residence permit are also allowed to travel there. However, this information is subject to change at any moment, so it is best to inquire directly with the Japanese Embassy in your home country.
Besides, since October 31st, 72,5% of the Japanese population have been fully vaccinated. 78% of them had received their first dose. But for the government, this is enough for the re-opening of the borders, especially with raising concern regarding new variants. The country also is also facing political tension since the election of the new Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida. The only positive point is the current economic growth rate. The Bank of Japan is expecting a GDP growth of 3,8%.
Brazil and Malta have also lost their attractiveness. In Brazil, the way the pandemic has been dealt with was severely criticised by expats. As of October 27th, only half of the population had been fully vaccinated (74,9% have received their first dose). The Brazilian president has himself been criticised for his controversial speeches on the COVID-19. Malta, another popular expat destination, also seems to have lost its charm. But the natives are happy about the current situation as they feared massive foreign arrivals with border reopenings. According to them, Malta is no longer that appealing due to a lack of green space, traffic jams, pollution, etc.
Today, most expats and aspiring expats seek calmness and nature and feel the need to maintain physical and mental health and work/life balance. In short, they are seeking authenticity, but the natives share similar thoughts. This is one of the consequences of the pandemic. Faced with strict lockdowns, people want a better quality of life. Many of them are ready to leave everything behind just to make their dreams come true and cherish the moments. Therefore, countries that are no longer attractive to expats have to review their policies to re-create a conducive environment for all.
