Expat news
Everyday life
The Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau was re-elected on September 20 with a minority government. This vote can be defined as the trust of Canadian residence in the Prime Minister. In this pandemic era, the support of the whole nation for another new four-year mandate is crucial. Other political parties have been talking about their ambitions regarding immigration, but it looks like the Liberal Party won the hearts with its proposed policies.
Everyday life
Post-Brexit immigration has become a major issue over the past months. Things that looked pretty straightforward initially are now getting more complex, especially with the Covid-19 crisis. So with the labour shortage, a crisis in the fishing industry, disillusionment with mixed couples, what will immigration in the United Kingdom look like in the coming months?
Everyday life
This September, many countries reopened their borders (Canada, Senegal, etc.); others are planning to follow suit (United States, Australia). It is indeed great news for people who were looking to move abroad. The new world map shows a majority of countries open to vaccinated travellers, but with certain restrictions. But immigration still largely relies on government announcements. In such circumstances, considering the pandemic, is it still possible to plan international relocation?
Everyday life
Thailand has been hard hit by the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. Still, to trigger growth, the country looks determined to get back on track, first by containing the pandemic and then by bringing back foreigners. Current results are encouraging. The contamination rate has gone down, and vaccinated foreigners are now allowed into the main Thai tourist spots.
Italy
From October 15, 2021, the health pass, also known as the “Green Pass”, will be mandatory for all employees in Italy. This new measure has been unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers. Italy is thus paving the way for the rest of Europe. It is indeed the first European country to make the Green Pass compulsory for all public and private workplaces.
Everyday life
Faced with the threat of the Delta variant, the measures are toughening up: compulsory vaccination, selective reopening of borders... The populations are divided between support for government measures, fears for the future, and sometimes violent demonstrations. Economic imperatives, climate emergency, international tensions ... Global news remains marked by great uncertainty, while the Covid-19 continues to prevail.
Everyday life
The end of the "Travel ban" has finally come. After being closed for a year and a half, the United States is reopening its borders in early November 2021. This is another sign, for expatriates and international travellers, that things are slowly getting back to normal, but with certain control. For now, only fully vaccinated people will be able to travel.
Canada
The pandemic that has affected the whole world has not spared the mobility of expatriates and their travel possibilities to Canada. With Canada's borders closed for a long time, moving there was not impossible but definitely complicated. On the 7th of September, Canada reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers who wish to travel to the country on a discretionary basis (without employment or emergency reasons). What are the different ways aside from employment and where are the places looking for expatriates?
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world. It is a country famous for many industries from automotive to electronics. It is also known for being welcoming to skilled workers and migrants. Being a safe haven for intellectuals from all over the world Germany now faces a challenge to maintain its reputation while balancing the effects of the COVID setbacks.
Formalities
All immigration candidates had been waiting for this, Canada's borders have reopened, although still only under strict conditions. Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals can now come to Canada for non-essential reasons like tourism and flights from India and Morocco are still banned and anyone who has not yet received the vaccine needs to provide justification for wanting to enter the territory.
Everyday life
Since March 2020, the whole world has been transformed by the Covid-19 pandemic. With variants and epidemic peaks, "quarantine" and "lockdown" remain in news highlights. Today, the first thing to check is whether you are allowed to travel overseas depending on your current situation (where are you are travelling from, the purpose and duration of stay, visa and entry requirements, etc.). We might think that quarantine only impacts short stays abroad, but the truth is that international relocation plans are also affected.
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?
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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