Features

Developing countries host more than one-third of international migrants in the world. Most of them are migrant workers and are employed either formally or more often informally in their countries of destination. But, let's address some misconceptions about immigrants and expats critically: immigration and expatriation are good for countries, communities, and economies. 

Working abroad as a self-employed can sound like a dream: being your own boss, you can get to know a new country as you work at a cool coffee shop and organize your schedule. There are a lot of positive points about working as a freelancer in another country: you're more passionate about what you do, there's more space for creativity, and the experience also calls for being an entrepreneur, as you can hire someone to work with you according to your needs. 

Whether you are already an expat, are considering a move abroad, or are simply a curious cinephile looking for a nice movie to relax, this is for you! We have selected some of the best movies about moving and living abroad to give you a glimpse into expat life.

“Well-being”, “quality of life” “serenity” and other factors for “personal development” are some of the main questions expats and expats-to-be have been asking themselves in these times of border reopenings. These are often associated with a stronger desire for nature, the outdoors, simple pleasures. But has the quality of life changed since the pandemic? What do expats aspire to now?

Despite the global health crisis, economies are recovering gradually. While some countries are still facing difficulties, others are having their economies back to the pre-Covid-19 state. For these countries, there is currently a call for hiring foreign talent. But have people's ambitions changed in the pandemic era? What are the means for governments to attract and retain talent?

Alone but not lonely. Solo female expats are on the rise, and as the world is striving towards gender equality, many women show that their ambitions have no geographical limits. Deciding to start a journey in a new country has all the elements an adventure needs: adrenaline, excitement and even a healthy amount of fear. If you are ahead of a similar journey, you should consider some safety dos and don'ts in order to make your new experience joyful and smooth. 

After nearly two years of pandemic waves and strict restrictions, borders are reopening around the world. To ensure sustainable growth, the States are considering a series of measures, including recruiting foreign talent. All sectors are currently in demand of foreign expertise, with innovative and high-tech sectors being the leading job providers. So what are the challenges of international mobility in the Covid-19 era, and how can foreign talent boost economic growth?

After more than a very complicated year for travel and international mobility, many countries are reopening slowly and smoothly. Amid the uncertainty and hopes for a better tomorrow, the United Arab Emirates is implementing new rules to attract expatriates from all over the world to revive their economy.

We live lives when the world around us is changing rapidly. Technology rises, we travel and move, but while the outside world seems to be spinning, our thoughts and feelings are affected. The careful daily examination of our feelings is important for enhancing our mental health. But some scenarios like Covid, moving to a new country, or just the stress of life itself make it too difficult to bear with it alone. Seeking help regarding your mental health might be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, and it might lead you on to your new life path.

In an era of reaffirmation of identities, thriving cultures have been recognizing and integrating no binary and LGBTQIA+ people through social politics, laws, and cultural representation. From a critical gender perspective, some countries are acknowledging not only two sexes (men/women), but a plurality of them, expanding the possibilities of gender and sexual orientation. 

After the exodus caused by the riots, more expats are now choosing to leave Hong Kong due to the frustration over the city's Coronavirus restrictions and lack of a clear reopening plan. Hong Kong has embraced a strategy that emphasises social distancing, limiting travel and shutting most non-residents out, except when coming from China and Macao. Expats and even locals arriving in the city have to contend with one of the world's longest quarantines, paying to isolate in a hotel room for up to three weeks.

When leaving your country for a new adventure abroad, finding accommodation can be a major concern, whether you are moving alone or with your family. And it becomes especially difficult in times of COVID-19 and economic crisis to find affordable accommodation options. Homesharing is an interesting option not only for saving in terms of costs but also for a smoother transition.

For more than a year, it has been assumed that the global health crisis would have a negative impact on international relocation. But it looks like Japan has reversed the situation. Ranking consistently as one of the world's most expensive countries (with a high cost of living in Tokyo, especially), Japan also stands out for its high expat packages. Is that supposed to be good news for foreign workers?

Nobody wants to be divorced. But after many conflicts and unbearable misunderstandings, it is better to separate. If you have made up your mind, there has to be a good reason for it, and therefore you, as an expat, should know your options in order to organise properly and overcome this unpleasant moment.

Expenses such as moving, settling down, renting or buying a new place, insurances and the cost of studies are usually some major concerns for international expats. However, travellers might be surprised to know that in relation to salaries, the cost of food can be a new challenge when considering a country to live abroad, as food prices are increasing worldwide amidst an economic crisis worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

After an economically difficult 2020, 2021 seems to be putting most countries on the road of economic recovery. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects global economic growth of 5.9%. The recovery will be driven mainly by the major powers: the United States (+6%), Canada (+5.7%), the Euro zone (+5%)... In this race for competitiveness, countries are competing for international talent.

Roxana has had wanderlust since a very young age. While Zanzibar has been the land of her dreams, she finally ended up in Mexico after staying in New York. A single expat mum, she keeps herself busy in taking care of her daughter and an educational initiative dedicated to making linguistic education accessible for marginalized communities. 

The latest edition of Africa's Pulse, a World Bank report, is optimistic. With an estimated growth of 3.3%, Africa is officially emerging from recession. This is still less than in other continents (5.9% in Latin America, or 6% in Asia), but it is happening.