The magazine for expats

Canada

Stricter immigration policies for foreign workers and students in Canada

Continuing with the restrictive immigration policy initiated in 2024, Canada has introduced several new measures in 2025, including the suspension of sponsorship application processes, delays in pathways to permanent residency, and restrictions on work permit eligibility for expatriate spouses. The most recent regulation now allows for the cancellation of work permits and student visas.

New Zealand

New visa opportunities in New Zealand for investors and workers

New Zealand is currently facing labor shortages, and it will take some time for reforms in educational and training programs to impact this issue. In response, the government is implementing new visa reforms to attract skilled workers. This move is considered a potential driver for growth. How will these changes benefit foreign investors and workers?

Everyday life

Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important

Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?

Expat news

Visas

Visas, work permits, study visas: What are the latest changes?

Different countries adopt unique strategies to manage their workforce needs. Many are continuously revising their immigration policies to favor local employment. Despite these tighter regulations, effective collaboration between local and expatriate workers is achievable and essential. Given the persistent labor shortages, the reliance on foreign workers remains a practical necessity. Here's an insight into the latest changes in popular global destinations.

Tax

Should you be concerned by global tax changes?

With each new year, we see shifts in taxes, savings rates, consumer costs, and governmental allowances. This year also introduces significant tax changes that will affect both current expatriates and those considering a move. Below, we provide a detailed look at the most favorite expat countries.

USA

Trump's return: Assessing the impact on international talent in the USA

Images of the newly re-elected president signing numerous executive orders have been seen worldwide. Many of these orders directly address immigration policies, signaling significant impacts on the employment landscape. This will affect both international workers and domestic companies. How will these changes influence the recruitment of international talent? Is the American Dream still accessible for those looking to build their careers in the US?

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Content from our partners

Features

Work

How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers

Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?

Tax

Understanding inheritance law and taxes

The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.

Schools & studies

Why pursue a Master's degree overseas?

More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.

Work

How different countries approach midday breaks

Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.

Schools & studies

Fresh graduates: A guide to finding your perfect country

Your early to mid-20s can be an ideal time to embark on an expat adventure. You're young, you have a newly-minted degree in hand and a thirst for adventure and you're unlikely to have family responsibilities like kids: the world is your oyster. However, financial constraints and a lack of work experience can throw a spanner in the works. How do you go about selecting a suitable destination and crafting your first experience living abroad?

Formalities

How to successfully transition to semi-retirement overseas

According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of American workers aged 65 and older report high satisfaction with their jobs, surpassing the rates of their younger counterparts. Retirement age is increasingly flexible, allowing "semi-retirees" to maintain some professional activity. Additionally, this period often prompts some individuals to move abroad. How can one effectively manage this transition?

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Expat interviews

Everyday life

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

Everyday life

Barbara Boyle: A journey from advertising in the US to the Italian countryside

Meet Barbara Boyle, a former Creative Director and writer who has worked with global brands and lived in major cities worldwide. Now retired in a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy, Barbara shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to a serene life amidst vineyards and orchards, and discusses her latest writings on her life in Italy.

Everyday life

Interview with Jen Barnett: Insights on living abroad and cultural integration

Meet Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 32 years in marketing. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Jen now lives in Mérida, Yucatán, where she helps others find their perfect home abroad through the innovative Expatsi Test. In this interview, Jen shares her experiences and insights on living overseas, adjusting to new cultures, and finding joy in the expat lifestyle.

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Insights from professionals

Everyday life

Is relocating overseas a good idea during an early midlife crisis?

Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.

Work

6 ways to successfully integrate into the workplace as an expat

The first day at a new job is always daunting. Stress, exhaustion, loneliness and nervous excitement are all common emotions but add on top of that, culture shock, language barriers and trying to settle your family into their new life abroad, it can all get overwhelming.

Everyday life

Tips from an expert: Taking care of your mental health as an expat amid the pandemic

Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of discomfort for expatriates, not only because of the distance from their loved ones but also due to lockdowns and health restrictions. Emanuela Brusadelli, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Deputy Director of the Professional and Clinical Psychology Programs at Wollongong University School of Psychology in Australia, tells us more.

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Expat stories

USA

Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa amid the Covid-pandemic

As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.

Everyday life

Life as an expat in South Africa

From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.

Everyday life

Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll always be the outsider?

Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.

Moving

Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again

Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.

Moving

Moving countries: Why I am more with less

I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.

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Expat of the month

Everyday life

Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic

Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

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Articles from our local editions

Mauritius

Mauritius water crisis: How rainwater harvesting can help

Mauritius is currently facing a significant challenge in water management. The country's seven main reservoirs are only 42.1% full on average, a stark decrease from 92.6% around the same time last year, reports the Water Resources Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. Although recent rainfall has brought some relief, it hasn't been enough to alleviate concerns, especially with the La Ferme reservoir at a mere 24.7% capacity.

Mauritius

Mauritius weekly highlights: Environmental initiatives, water reserves crisis, and road safety concerns

This week in Mauritius, water reserves continue to face critical shortages, with levels still well below average despite recent rainfall. Meanwhile, the government is intensifying its environmental conservation efforts. This includes the removal of unauthorized buildings on Benitiers Island and initiating a project to replenish the sea cucumber population. On the safety front, while there has been a small decline in deadly accidents, the risk to pedestrians and the elderly is still a significant issue.

Mauritius

Cyclone Garance aftermath: Vegetable prices skyrocket in Mauritius

Cyclone Garance has significantly impacted Mauritius' agricultural sector. Although the rain was initially seen as beneficial following a severe drought, it has also led to a sharp price increase, heavily affecting household budgets. This article explores the chaotic market where both farmers and consumers are struggling to cope.