Expat news
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.
England
This July, the 14-year rule of the UK's Conservative Party has come to an end. A snap general election led to a landslide victory for the opposing Labour Party, which is under the leadership of Keir Starmer. What are this new government's promises for immigration? How are expats affected by this, and what are their concerns and hopes?
Kenya
The latest tax reform in Kenya has sparked intense protests and unrest. The BBC and France 24 report that at least 39 people were killed during the protests, while local news outlets say the death toll rose to 19 people. The situation has escalated and is drawing international attention and concern.
USA
This announcement has unsurprisingly stirred the Republicans but could earn points for the Democrats, a hope for Biden as the presidential campaign heats up. Here's a look at the measure and its eligibility conditions. How are foreign nationals in the US reacting to these measures?
Formalities
With the streamlining of visa procedures, the creation of new residence permits, the strengthening of partnerships between countries, and restrictions on expatriate workers, among other measures, immigration remains a critical issue in many countries. Here's an overview.
Cost of living
While international mobility continues to attract global workers, they are increasingly cautious before signing their contracts. Today, expats have to contend with the ever-increasing cost of living in major cities. So, how can one consider living abroad under these conditions? What happens if you're looking to move abroad with your children? Are expats still able to negotiate their salaries, housing allowances, or their children's school fees? Let's have a look.
Other Types
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Work
You might assume that office life is much the same everywhere: fairly standard working hours, the occasional overtime, and organizational differences from one company to another. But moving abroad can quickly challenge that assumption. Workplace habits are deeply influenced by local culture, from what people wear to how they interact with colleagues. So what is considered perfectly acceptable in your new country, and what might be frowned upon? Here are seven workplace habits that reveal just how differently office culture can be understood around the world.
Everyday life
Using AI to plan a move abroad may seem like a quick and convenient solution. It can compare destinations, explain visa procedures, and help organize your relocation. However, inaccurate information, outdated advice, and a lack of human understanding can put your expatriation project at risk. So, how much should you really rely on AI?
Australia
For years, Australia has been one of the world's most sought-after destinations for international students. Its world-class universities, high standard of living, and generous post-study work opportunities have attracted hundreds of thousands of young people hoping to build a future abroad. But that appeal is beginning to fade. As the government continues to tighten its immigration policy, it has once again increased the cost of its post-study work visa, making it one of the most expensive of its kind in the world. Combined with stricter eligibility rules and fewer pathways to long-term residency, the changes are forcing many prospective and current international students to rethink their plans. Is Australia slowly becoming a study destination reserved for those who can afford to pay the price?
Everyday life
Are retirees really the "wealthy elite" they're often portrayed as? In reality, retirement incomes vary widely, and so do living standards. For expat retirees, the picture is even more complex. Beyond everyday expenses, they must also navigate inflation, hidden costs, rising healthcare bills, and policy changes that can all have a significant impact on their budget.
Accommodation
Buying your own property is a major milestone, and for many expats, an exciting new chapter. But purchasing a home abroad involves more than finding the right property. Your relationship status can have a significant impact on your rights as a buyer and the legal protections available to you. Whether you're married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, are you equally protected when buying property overseas?
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