Features
Leisure
When we talk about the holiday season, we certainly think of the sumptuous European Christmas markets where the magic happens. Although their origin is not precisely known, they are often associated with Northern European countries as it is estimated that the first ones appeared around the 14th century in Germany and Alsace. Here is our selection of the most popular and anticipated Christmas markets in Europe, some of which start much earlier than you think!
Everyday life
Moving overseas is an enriching experience that many Europeans seek every year. While some prefer to stay in Europe, others choose to go on a great adventure on the other side of the world and sometimes even stay there for good. Which are currently the most attractive non-European countries for Europeans?
Accommodation
Property prices are soaring! The effect of these surging prices was already being felt before the health crisis and has since become more pronounced. While real estate is considered a strong safe haven, especially in times of crisis, all indicators are in the red. The situation is particularly critical in China and is tending to cause havoc in other markets around the world, in North America, Europe, North Africa and Asia. Between overheating and running out of steam, the real estate crisis is sending contradictory signals to the entire business world. Let's decrypt the situation in some of these countries affected by the real estate crisis.
Everyday life
One thing is for sure! Everyday life has become very challenging since the Covid pandemic. Furthermore, the energy crisis and inflation have only made things more stressful for international students. Finding a job to meet the increasing expenses has become essential. But how does one deal with the balance between studies and work? How does work fit into the life of an international student?
Visas
In 2021, France was the country in the Schengen area that rejected the most visa applications from Algerian nationals (32 000 applications). It was also the country that accepted the most (44,032 applications). The reason for this increase in the number of refusals is essentially political. France decided to reduce the number of visas granted to Algerians in response to Algeria's refusal to take back its nationals who were staying illegally in France.
Cost of living
Driven by a thirst for adventure, the lower cost of living abroad, and political dissatisfaction, Americans are moving abroad in rising numbers again in 2022, when most of the world's border restrictions have been lifted. Mexico and Portugal, in particular, have recently gained a lot of popularity as expat destinations for Americans, especially digital nomads.
Visas
Does being the holder of a work permit in your expat country mean that everything is possible? In the era of remote work and digital nomadism, the work permit is quite likely to be mistaken for a visa with all possibilities. Although it does grant rights to foreign workers, it also comes with a set of rules. What are the risks in case of infringement? Are you allowed to leave your host country for as long as you want?
Schools & studies
Two major events disrupted international student mobility during the past years – Brexit and the Covid pandemic. However, international mobility has picked up again with border reopenings worldwide, and some countries are among the new favorites among students. Which are they, and how are they beneficial for international students?
Work
Presented as one of the new flexicurity solutions, the four-day week seems to have a lot of benefits. Young workers, especially generation Z, are especially favorable to the option. While physicians and sociologists are researching the phenomenon, countries are experimenting with the new system by conducting full-scale tests. How does the four-day work week impact the lives of expatriates? Should it be part of the criteria for choosing your next destination?
Everyday life
The whole world has eyes on Qatar for this 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup, which is taking place from November 20 to December 18h. How do expats in Qatar feel about this major event? How is the stay organized for those who make the trip to be with the soccer world? What is the general feeling among those who are attending the matches? And what about those who are calling for a boycott?
Banks and finance
British expats in countries without social security agreements with the UK receive “frozen pensions.” This means that their pension is locked at the level it was when they first relocated abroad. Many feel it is unfair because they had contributed to the National Insurance only to get back low amounts. This reduced pension amount makes some struggle financially amidst rampant global inflation.
Work
Are you tempted to start a business abroad or create one in your home country with the possibility of working from anywhere in the world? With the boom of digital nomadism, more and more freelancers are taking the leap. But are they covered by their home country's social security? Are they entitled to some form of social assistance?
Visas
Some work visas explicitly target younger applicants in their 20s and 30s. Some visas with age cutoffs are working holiday visas, Australian permanent skilled work visas, and work permits in Gulf countries. Canadian points-based immigration systems also grant more points to younger applicants.
Schools & studies
International education was one of the sectors most affected by the lockdowns and border closures of 2020 and 2021. In 2022, it is picking up again in the most popular education destinations. However, the number of international students from China has decreased. Vaccination and quarantine requirements, arrangements for hybrid classes, political stability and post-work study rights are also affecting the popularity of each destination.
Everyday life
Whether you're seeking a great adventure, new career prospects and a professional challenge or to fulfill a childhood dream, so many reasons can lead one to want to move abroad. But what is it about a culture that attracts individuals to the point of motivating them to move abroad? What are these inspiring cultures?
Work
As work-from-home becomes the new normal, more expats feel tempted by the possibility of being a digital nomad who works from a Brazilian beach or a European summer house. However, some expats are doing it without the prior consent of their employers. This can create serious compliance and regulatory issues for the company, issues for which the worker can get sacked.
Everyday life
Canada is set to welcome 450,000 immigrants yearly by 2024. The country is looking to keep attracting international talent and is counting on its excellent track record to stay on top of the list of the most popular expat destinations. Which other countries have the highest immigrant populations and what are their current policies?
Cost of living
Inflation continues rampaging over the world's economies, causing significant rises in commodity prices, soaring real estate values and growing inequalities almost everywhere. Earlier this year, Mercer published its 28th ranking of the most expensive African cities for expatriates, and the results are quite discouraging. Here's what expats have to say about the cost of living in African countries.
Other Types
Formalities
Labor shortages and ongoing housing crises are heating up immigration policies. Should work permits be extended, or should there be a cap on the number of foreign nationals? It's a significant challenge for countries, with each one trying to introduce new policies to attract expatriates while combating rising living costs. Here's an overview of the latest changes.
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KLforExpats
If you're planning to move to Germany, you've likely heard that Germany's healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is renowned for its efficiency, accessibility, and high standard of care. However, if you're new to Germany, understanding the nuances of its health insurance system can be confusing and complex - especially if you don't know the language!
Visas
As tourism industries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit slowly, Southeast Asian nations are exploring the implementation of a visa system modeled after the European Schengen Area. This initiative aims to revitalize tourism and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Cost of living
Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.
Work
The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?
Schools & studies
To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?
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