Features
Everyday life
The first months of the Covid pandemic raised much concern regarding global mobility. Yet, it survived and has even been reinforced. Countries affected by unparallel labor force shortages are fighting to attract foreign talent. The competition for attractiveness stretches from Japan to the UK, including Australia, Germany, Canada, and many other countries. Middle East countries are playing the family card to attract and retain foreign talent. Let's have a closer look at these measures.
Banks and finance
According to a recent survey by HSBC, 45% of people planning to relocate to a new country feel lost about managing their finances after the move. This is an understandable concern: banking, paying taxes and transferring money between countries can be complicated. Below, we will look into the details of the HSBC survey and suggest an effective action plan for managing finances when moving abroad.
Visas
When considering cultural immersion, we often picture a new language learning experience. Indeed, the idiom matches this definition. But what if we told you this immersion could bring much more than language learning? Without a doubt, culture is everything, and most of the time, this is what expats are looking for. But it also attracts culturally diverse artists willing to study, attend an event or carry out their art in a country.
Schools & studies
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of studying abroad had already become a significant factor for many international students and their families, particularly in South Asia and Africa. These regions have seen a rising interest in studying abroad, but with limited financial resources, there has been a growing emphasis on the return on investment of such a decision.
Everyday life
For several months now, the Netherlands has experienced a series of public transport strikes due to the inability of unions and public transport operators to come to an agreement regarding salaries, work contracts, and employee workloads. In this context, we've decided to look into how strikes may affect the lives of expats and what they can do to plan their everyday life in the new circumstances.
Everyday life
For prospective expats, the quality of life is a crucial factor when deciding to move abroad. In this article, we will explore what quality of life means for expats, how it can impact their decision to move abroad, and how they can evaluate the quality of life factors when considering a new destination. Whether you're planning to move abroad or are already an expat, these pointers will help you better understand what quality of life means and how it can affect your experience living abroad.
Hong Kong
There have been rumors since the end of 2022. Then John Lee, the Special Administrative Area's (SAR) Chief Executive, confirmed the news. Hong Kong is finally back to "normality". The wearing of masks is no longer mandatory for Hongkongers. Still, the mask is still strongly recommended in high-risk areas. Hong Kong is one of many countries to go by this preventive statement, reminding their populations of the importance of keeping the good practices acquired during the COVID crisis. Because the health risk still exists, and no country is immune.
Work
The Curriculum Vitae or CV summarizes your professional experience and is your first contact with any company you apply to work for. While you might be aware of the rules when applying for a job in your own country, seeking a job abroad often involves a different process. So what are the things to consider when writing an international CV to impress your potential employer? Here are some tips.
Visas
Expats who are in a relationship often want to bring their partner or spouse to the country where they are working. In some countries, this is a fairly straightforward process, but unfortunately, other countries have more stringent requirements like a minimum income threshold, age, or the number of years living together. Expats in same-sex relationships might also struggle to bring their partner to a country where same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Work
Many international students work part-time to fund their studies and gain experience. They have to be aware of both their rights and responsibilities. They should not only avoid exceeding the maximum number of hours they're allowed to work and file their taxes, but they also need to be on guard against exploitative employers who can take advantage of their lack of familiarity with local labor laws.
Work
As globalization has brought the world closer together, the number of expats, or people living and working outside their home country, has been on the rise. For many people, working abroad can be a way to gain new experiences, improve language skills, and increase earning potential. However, the question of whether expats actually earn more than locals has been a topic of debate for years.
Tax
After a good few years of living in the same country, expats might consider becoming permanent residents. For some, it is the first step towards their end goal of citizenship. For others, it's simply a way to be able to get more opportunities or travel in and out of the country more easily. However, expats have to carefully consider the tax implications of being a resident.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is a major upheaval in a person's life. Many use social media not only to make the transition smoother and for better integration but also for work or to become an influencer. Whether it is for keeping in touch with friends and family, making new acquaintances locally, or making oneself known, this means of communication has helped many of us.
Work
Did Russia's war with Ukraine wipe out the economic rebound? In 2021, OECD countries recovered from the health crisis faster than expected. A similar rebound was observed in other economies around the world, such as the United States, Australia, and China. In OECD countries, 66 million jobs have been created following post-Covid recovery. But since 2022, uncertainty has prevailed.
Work
Will 2023 be the year of entrepreneurs? Well, countries like Canada, Japan, France, the United States and the Netherlands are all striving to attract international talent. Innovation is back on government agendas, in tech, as in other sectors. But where should you move to, and why? Let's take a closer look at the best locations for entrepreneurship and their benefits.
Visas
Moving to a new country can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when the country has immigration quotas in place. Immigration quotas are designed to regulate the flow of people entering a country, but they can also make the process of obtaining a visa and residency more complicated.
Work
Many people choose to change careers when their current job no longer suits them or when they want to find purpose in their professional life. Some decide to take the leap when moving abroad, by choice, by necessity, or by chance, just following the opportunities that arise. Expats who have switched careers talks to us about their experience.
Formalities
Living abroad does not necessarily mean that one is no longer attached to their home country; quite the contrary. For instance, the Dutch living outside the Netherlands just voted for their first electoral college. Many expatriates worldwide are more than willing to voice out their choices, and governments are themselves well aware of the weight of their overseas constituencies in various elections. But how do expatriates vote from abroad? Electronic voting remains a crucial issue.
Other Types
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If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
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