Expat news
Everyday life
Things seem to be getting worse for British expats within the European Union. Following the Brexit, many of them are losing jobs and are being denied healthcare, higher education and even bank accounts, according to international media. But here's what the Withdrawal Agreement, which came into force on February 1, 2020, says about all this.
Work
South Korea is planning to introduce a digital nomad visa like many other countries to attract foreign talent. It also intends to ease visa restrictions for foreign professionals in the fields of research and development and new industries. But why is the country taking such a step amid the crisis?
Everyday life
Three months after the Brexit, British expats in the European Union still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it looks like things are getting worse. Last week, a number of Britons were deported upon their arrival in Spain. While others are still in limbo, Britons in France, for example, fear losing their driving license. Let's have a look at what's happening.
Work
Official figures are quite surprising! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some 480,000 Australians who were abroad have returned home with their talents. What does this mean for expatriates in Australia and foreign professionals who are looking to relocate there?
Everyday life
Things are getting worse in Brazil as Covid-19 leads to over 280,000 deaths. Brazil is now the world's second-most affected country after the USA. How did this happen. Expats have their say.
Everyday life
Religion is an aspect that we often fail to consider when moving abroad. Yet, it can have a considerable impact on expats' lives, as in Switzerland, where more than half of the population favours the burqa ban. The country joins France, Belgium, Bulgaria and Austria, which also have burqa bans.
Everyday life
This year's International Women's Day theme is Choose To Challenge, inviting observation, critical thinking, reflection, and communication to solve problems and bring change. To this end, let's all take some time today to think about how we will help forge a gender-equal world, not just today but every day.
Work
Her Excellency Dr Kate O'Shaughnessy is the fifth consecutive female Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius and Seychelles and Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. On the occasion of International Women's Day 2021, we asked her thoughts about women in the diplomatic world and in decision-making.
Visas
America's forty-sixth President, Joe Biden, has rightfully committed himself to reform the ill immigration system he inherited from Mr Trump, and rectify America's reputation as an unwelcoming and solitary country. Mr Biden aspires to re-instil into American communities the pride in diversity and kick in international mobility to attract some of the brightest and most talented in the world and grow the economy.
Mauritius has been on the blacklist of the European Union since June 19, 2020. A situation that remains worrying for Mauritius as an international financial centre. But as the relevant authorities are working hard to pull the country out of the blacklist, the future does not seem so bleak.
Work
Globally, factors such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth define salaries. With the ongoing pandemic, countries have witnessed an increase in unemployment levels, higher inflation rates, and an economy that is in an indefinite crisis. What does it mean for salaries?
Schools & studies
Following a new surge of COVID-19, China is not allowing the return of international students until further notice. Stranded abroad, international students talk to us about their frustration and anxiety.
Everyday life
India and Myanmar have taken drastic measures following protests during the past few weeks. Expats, like locals, are currently faced with barricades on main roads, water cuts and internet blocks restricting access to telecommunication. Expats tell us about their experiences during these times.
Formalities
There is good news for investors, doctors, engineers, specialists, inventors, scientists and other highly qualified expatriates who currently live and work in the United Arab Emirates. The government recently announced its decision to grant citizenship to these profiles. What does that imply for long-term expats?
Everyday life
Despite the pandemic and the looming economic downturn of the crisis, Australia looks determined to attract and retain high skills from abroad. The number of visas granted under the Global Tech Talent Visa program for the current financial year has just been tripled, from 5,000 to 15,000. The list now includes new categories, such as education, tourism and the circular economy. While other expat destinations are restricting immigration to allow for jobs for local talents, Australia is taking the opposite approach.
Moving
The current global crisis has profoundly transformed the travel industry in recent months. With border closures and travel restrictions, many expats-to-be had no other choice than postponing their travel plans. Still, some of them are reviewing their plans, defining their new priorities.
Formalities
With four Covid-19 vaccines available, and the UK having kicked immunisation early in December, the debate is shifting on health passports. For now, most of the conversation is theoretical and based on speculations, but a health passport could be on our doorstep in no time...
Everyday life
From April 2021, international students will be allowed to enter New Zealand. The growing demand led the New Zealand government to set up a pilot project to welcome them in several stages. What makes New Zealand such a great place to move to amidst the pandemic?
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
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