Expat news
Everyday life
For the first time in years, the U.S. population increase has dropped and grew at the second-slowest rate since the founding of the country. The declining fertility rate (almost 20% since 2007) and the reduction in immigration seem to be the main cause for the increase, with a global pandemic surely not helping. As environmentalists might support the idea of having fewer polluters in the world, the decrease in population is considered to be a serious economic concern for the country. And possibly an opportunity for expats in the future.
Everyday life
Since September 7, Canadian borders have been open. The country, which is very popular with expatriates, needs skilled labour. With its wide open spaces and amazing beauty, Canada is the world's second-largest country after Russia and continues to attract new immigrants. While many expats usually head to big provinces and cities such as Quebec or Vancouver, more and more of them are now choosing less popular provinces where they can get equal or even greater benefits.
Everyday life
According to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Switzerland is one of the countries that showed greater resilience during the pandemic, with a stable economy and low unemployment rate. The country is currently hiring and spreading the word. For expats, it is the opportunity for a radical change of life, with a significant rise in purchasing power. Switzerland still conveys this image of a country with high wages, and moving there to become rich is a dream for many. But what does it take to make this dream a reality?
Everyday life
The Taliban have warned of a heavy price to pay if the United States does not withdraw all of its troops by August 31. The US government admits having been surprised by the speed of the Taliban offensive attack. Still, it could well maintain its soldiers after August 31 to ensure repatriation. But on Tuesday morning, France announced that it would stop repatriation on Thursday if the United States decides to leave Afghanistan on August 31.
Everyday life
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia imposed strict border restrictions. Recently, the government also introduced a new rule that affects Australian citizens and permanent residents living overseas and visiting Australia. Additionally, there are local restrictions within the country. Foreign expats living in Australia, as well as expats from Australia living overseas, should familiarize themselves with the relevant restrictions ahead of making travel plans.
Everyday life
There is definitely a world before and after Covid-19. For those aspiring to live abroad in Asia, the next world promises to be considerably different. The epidemic outbreak hitting part of the continent has left residents in limbo. Many expats have left their host country. The attractive territories are toughening their rules.
Moving
If COVID-19 has taught us one thing it is that one cannot take anything for granted. A lot of expats have had to be repatriated home. So, how do you prepare for needed to move back urgently when moving abroad?
Everyday life
Some countries have already implemented requirements for vaccination passports or proof of vaccination from travellers, and some others are going even further by requesting health passports to attend regular day-to-day activities. The health passport requirements may encourage more people to get vaccinated, but not everyone is happy with such restrictions.
Everyday life
As if the COVID-19 pandemic were not enough, several countries in Europe and America, including the United States and Spain, and even Morocco, are currently facing unbearable heat waves. Expats living in these countries shared their feelings with us.
Everyday life
During the month of June, more than 3000 expats took part in an Expat.com survey on vaccination. Of the 3000 expats surveyed, 49% said that they had already been vaccinated against the COVID-19 while 26% said they intended to get vaccinated in the future.
Health system
The survey carried out during the month of June called on more than 3000 expats from everywhere around the world. Of the American expats who participated, 51% had already been vaccinated and 32% intended to get vaccinated in the future.
Cost of living
Asia is a popular expat destination, and the increase in remote work may allow more expats to relocate to the region. While some parts of Asia are widely known for their cheap cost of living, the Mercer 2021 Cost of Living City Ranking indicates that certain cities are becoming expensive to live in. The majority of the top 10 most expensive cities in 2021 are in Asia.
Health system
The Expat.com survey was carried out in June this year and revealed that an estimated 62.9% of British expats have indeed received the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of them had received either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.
Everyday life
As of June 30, 2021, living and working in the United Kingdom have only 28 days to regularise their situation and declare their residence. So the countdown has started for those who intend to stay permanently.
Work
Despite being a popular expat destination, New Zealand is reviewing its immigration policies to become more selective. The expected changes will come into force from November 1, 2021. Any employer who wishes to hire foreign professionals must obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Everyday life
It's official! Australia will not reopen its international borders before mid-2022. This decision, obviously, breaks the hopes of thousands of expats who had travel plans or were hoping to reunite with their families. Hence, many of them are packing their suitcases while some have already left.
Everyday life
Many nations worldwide have been able to breathe again for the past few weeks after spending months in lockdown. In early May, the easing of lockdown restrictions in several countries has allowed people to get back into their routine. However, Taiwan, Malaysia and Turkey have locked down once again following a new COVID-19 surge.
Work
For many years, Ottawa has been attracting mainly English-speaking expats. But faced with a labour shortage, Quebec, the French-speaking province, is introducing a new policy that's likely to be a game-changer.
Other Types
Work
Labor shortages in some sectors are playing out alongside unemployment rates that, depending on the country, remain stubbornly high. Young people are particularly at risk of failing to find work in their field or anywhere else. So, how are young professionals thinking about moving abroad in this climate?
Argentina
As an expat who has made South America's Southern Cone my home, I explained last year why Latin America is the new frontier and how to get residency here. This year, I've been spending a lot of time in the new Land of Opportunity: Argentina. After taking a chainsaw to inflation, President Milei is now wielding the magic wand of citizenship by investment to foreign investors in Argentina.
Everyday life
Expat life is often seen as an exciting adventure: a new country, new opportunities, and a rich cultural experience. Moving abroad represents, for many, a major life project — one filled with hope and the promise of a fresh start. When you make that move as a couple, it can feel even more reassuring. You're not going it alone; you have each other, with the shared belief that this change will bring you closer and create lasting memories together. And it truly can. But living abroad also brings profound upheaval: the loss of familiar landmarks, constant cultural adjustment, distance from family and friends, and sometimes a complete professional reinvention. All of these factors can unsettle not only your individual sense of balance but also the foundation of your relationship.
Everyday life
In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that the current energy crisis is "worse than those of 1973, 1979, and 2022 combined." Compounded by the war in the Middle East, the crisis is pushing governments to fast-track their energy transition policies, from fuel taxes and vehicle use restrictions to incentives for remote work. Should expats brace for lasting disruptions to their daily lives? And how can they adapt to this new reality?
Costa Rica
It is the 4th-happiest country in the world. For the first time, Costa Rica has broken into the top 5 happiest countries on the planet, and it is the first Latin American nation to reach the upper ranks of the list. This strong showing mirrors Costa Rica's reputation among expats: the country consistently ranks among the best places to live abroad. So what makes Costa Rica so appealing? And how do you go about settling there as a foreigner?
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