Expat news
Cost of living
According to Mercer's ranking, Dubai is the 15th most expensive city globally, having climbed three spots since 2023. This ascent suggests a strong trend toward even higher costs. Expatriates are recalculating their budgets and tightening their belts. Despite Dubai's allure for foreign talents, the surging cost of living, fueled by continuously rising rents, might deter many from relocating to pursue their dreams. So who can afford to live in Dubai in 2024?
USA
Despite restrictive immigration policies enacted by various countries, efforts to promote immigration persist. Many states are striving to strike a balance between limiting the influx of foreigners and introducing incentive measures to attract them, particularly skilled talent. This balancing act is primarily driven by the goal of economic growth.
Visas
How to attract and retain foreign talent while maintaining social economic stability and social harmony? Countries grapple with this question as they face labor shortages that destabilize their economies. Simultaneously, these nations also aim to reduce low-skilled immigration. Here's an overview of the situation and of the latest measures implemented.
France
Bruno Retailleau, the newly appointed French Minister of the Interior, is drawing more attention than Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Retailleau's agenda focuses on tightening immigration regulations. Is this a cause for concern among expatriates and prospective expats in France?
Work
Since 2022, global foreign investment has consistently declined, a troubling trend that's stifling economic growth and hampering national development. This downturn not only curtails corporate initiatives but also dims the prospects for international work assignments. In response, the UN's Trade and Development Agency urges governments to take decisive action. Below is a detailed analysis of these developments.
Schools & studies
Many are discussing a potential point of no return. Is the perception of Canada as a welcoming land of immigrants shifting? Amid an unprecedented housing crisis, the government is scaling back its immigration goals yet still praises the economic contributions of foreign talent. Despite this, many affected—especially students—view these policy changes as significant obstacles to their aspirations in Canada. This article offers a detailed analysis of the situation.
Germany
Germany is grappling with a sluggish economy, declining employee morale, and the fears of foreign workers and prospective expats for political reasons. The outlook includes a GDP barely surpassing 0% and a plummeting birth rate. Nevertheless, the government relies on immigration reform to reverse this trend and attract foreign professionals.
Visas
Despite significant labor shortages worldwide, countries are introducing increasing restrictions: capping the number of international students, reducing temporary worker permits, and nationalizing jobs. Here's an analysis of the current situation and what you need to know if you're planning to relocate overseas.
Work
Nations around the world are reforming their immigration rules to attract foreign talent, reduce net migration, and promote local employment. Their target: the minimum income, a crucial condition for qualifying for a work visa. Should this threshold be increased or lowered? How do employers view these state reforms? Let's take a closer look at the countries that have recently changed their minimum income scales for expatriates.
China
China is now widely opening its doors to foreign businesses in a decisive shift from its zero-COVID policy. The latest reform is part of a massive "modernization project", a term central to the Chinese government's strategy. The target year is 2029, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Here's an in-depth look.
Work
Where should you move for an international career? Workers might be surprised that the minimum income can double, depending on the chosen city or province. While not always to such extremes (though large variations can be observed within the same state), it's crucial to know the minimum wage thresholds set by the host country. Here's an overview.
England
In late July, far-right and anti-immigrant riots erupted across the UK following the spread of fake news claiming that an asylum seeker was responsible for a mass stabbing incident. Far-right mobs started attacking people of color and those they suspected of being immigrants. While arrests were quickly made in response to the violence, many expats and even British people of color remain shaken by the riots.
England
The Labour government aims to move past the conservative era definitively. As the new budget vote approaches, expats might see some limited tax relief. However, this is to be taken with caution. The Labour Party recently criticized "catastrophic" national finances left by the previous government. What does this mean for expats in the UK and Britons living abroad? Let's break it down.
Visas
A tougher stance on immigration, coupled with a need for more foreign talent: the contradictory messages sent by states facing labor shortages continue to create a tug-of-war in migration policies. Between visa restrictions and open-door policies, nations are devising strategies to align their immigration policies with their economic objectives.
Accommodation
The current housing crisis is exacerbated by inflation, which, despite easing in sectors like food and energy, keeps driving up rental prices. Foreign investors are cautious or capitalizing on market attractiveness to execute their financial ventures. However, as locals and expatriates with modest incomes face an increasing cost of living burdened by continuous hikes in housing prices, governments are taking steps to regulate the market.
Schools & studies
Will students soon have to give up on studying abroad? In their efforts to control immigration, popular countries are implementing measures that are challenging students' plans to move overseas. How do visa restrictions and increased fees impact universities and education? How can students consider studying abroad in this context?
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a highly cosmopolitan country, with nearly 47.3% of its population being foreign nationals, representing about 170 different nationalities (government data). Despite its small size of only 2,586 km², the country offers ample opportunities for those seeking professional growth and an excellent quality of life. The Luxembourg Parliament has recently passed a law making it easier for third-country nationals to enter and stay in Luxembourg for highly qualified jobs. So why should you consider moving to Luxembourg?
Japan
Facing a labor shortage and a worsening demographic situation, Japan is gradually opening up to immigration, particularly by reforming its visa policies. However, the country remains torn between economic necessity and a social model built on homogeneity. Here's an analysis.
Other Types
Everyday life
Giving birth is one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences a woman can have. Doing it abroad? That adds a whole new layer of emotion and complexity. From navigating childbirth in a foreign language to adjusting to unfamiliar medical practices and postnatal care, expat parents often find their resilience and adaptability pushed to the limit. So how can you prepare for this pivotal moment while living overseas — and what should you be aware of?
Formalities
Sponsoring a relative comes with many rules. Can your current status allow you to sponsor someone? Who are you actually allowed to sponsor? And what should you keep in mind before starting the process? Expat.com breaks it down for you.
Work
Whether we embrace it with excitement or cautiously, artificial intelligence (AI) has become inseparable from our current and future world. The latest World Economic Forum report makes that clear: AI is reshaping the job market. This shift is especially significant for expats aiming to build an international career. So, what skills are recruiters looking for?
Formalities
Latin America as a region has become one of the most popular hubs for expats, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. The escalating prices, the rising taxes, and stricter immigration laws in Europe and North America are forcing people to seek alternatives, and many are finding Latin America's relative affordability, vibrancy, and diversity an ideal combination.
Leisure
Major urban centers continue to draw foreigners for a simple reason: they offer more jobs and housing. The global housing crisis hasn't changed that. Life in the city feels familiar and secure. But stepping away from crowded megacities can be just as comforting. It's a chance to enjoy fresh air and open space. Here are five ideal destinations where you can breathe deeply and live closer to nature.
USA
For thousands of international students, the end of the visa freeze offers only a partial win. Application reviews have resumed, but under far stricter conditions. The Trump administration remains resolute, even if it means putting more pressure on its relationship with the US academic community. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the moment to attract international students. Could this mark the beginning of a shift in student mobility trends? And what lies ahead for exchange programs and global student mobility?
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