Expat news
France
Campus France reports that the number of international students in the country has increased by 8% over 2021-2022. There are now over 400,000 international students there, the highest number in 15 years. The growth has been driven by big leaps in the number of students from the Americas (+15%) and Europe (+13%). The affordability and quality of education in France could well be among the reasons behind this.
Saudi Arabia
Are we witnessing another positive step towards the welcoming of foreign talent in Saudi Arabia? It is now a reality: the spouses of expatriates in Saudi Arabia can now seek employment locally. But this measure is nevertheless subject to conditions. Let's explore the hows and whys.
China
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.
Norway
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.
China
Since Wednesday, March 15, China has officially reopened completely to the world. The country has indeed resumed issuing all types of visas, including tourist visas. This is a relief for the people concerned and for all prospective expats to China. It can be considered a strong signal sent by Beijing to the rest of the world, but should we expect a massive comeback of expats in China?
USA
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?
Work
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.
Vietnam
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.
Egypt
How can a country regain foreign investors' confidence? How can it boost its attractivity in the eyes of foreigners and its own citizens? The Egyptian government believes it has found the right formula. However, due to the successive crises that have hit the country, the Egyptian economy is in a critical situation. The country needs to find funds quickly to stabilize. In response, a new campaign aimed at investors has been designed precisely to replenish the country's treasury while reinforcing the country's image as a reliable economy.
Kuwait
On Wednesday, March 8, the Kuwait Public Manpower Authority announced that long-term expatriates would be eligible for residency renewal under certain conditions. While Kuwait seems to be relaxing its measures regarding long-term expatriates, this new measure doesn't apply to all expats. Still, it's a significant change for a country that has recently been in the news headlines for its job nationalization policy.
Work
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.
Russia
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.
Work
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.
England
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?
USA
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?
Visas
Are Golden Visas living their last days in the European Union? Spain plans to restrict the conditions under which people can obtain a golden passport. Portugal and Ireland have already announced the end of their programs intended for wealthy foreign investors. Between the countries that are abolishing their Golden Visa programs and those that are pursuing it, let's take a look at this much controversial scheme.
Work
Canada is a dream destination for many prospective expats. Whether you're a worker or a student, the country is full of opportunities for those seeking to live and build a career there. In the face of acute labor shortages, the Canadian government is relentlessly pursuing its ambitious immigration program and plans to welcome some 500,000 new immigrants by 2025.
Everyday life
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.
Other Types
Schools & studies
There is so much more that goes into the choice of a university today than even a decade ago. International students especially have the whole world to choose from. And while before students were more focused on the theoretical benefits of a certain degree, today, with so many less traditional options for learning (online, via social media, private tutoring, etc.), there is a lot more a traditional institution has to offer, especially given the price of formal education.
Banks and finance
If you are like most expats looking to purchase a home overseas, you will probably need a mortgage. This typically means applying to a bank or lender in the country where the property is located. The process can be different and more complex than in your home country, especially for non-residents, as financial institutions are cautious about lending across borders. In some places, the route from application to approval is relatively straightforward, but in others it can be much more challenging.
Work
You may be dreaming of managing your team abroad or opening or taking over a business overseas. But already, a thousand questions are challenging you. Are you really cut out for a leadership role, especially in another country? Here's some practical advice to build your confidence before embarking on the expat project that's right for you.
Work
More young professionals than ever are choosing to start their careers abroad. Driven by the rise of digital nomadism, economic uncertainty, and the promise of new opportunities, they are increasingly willing to cross borders in search of a better future. But what do young expats really expect from their first job overseas? And how do their career goals compare with those of earlier generations?
Paraguay
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Tax
Postcard-perfect beaches, luxury villas, sports cars and a jet-set lifestyle: social media often paints expat influencers and content creators as financially free and permanently on vacation. Behind the filters and sponsored posts, however, lies a much more complex reality. As more freelancers, influencers and digital creators move abroad to optimize their lifestyle and income, tax authorities around the world are increasing their scrutiny. So how can content creators relocate overseas legally, optimize their taxes, and avoid crossing the line into tax evasion?
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