Features
Everyday life
In late November, Qatar is set to become the smallest country to ever host the FIFA World Cup. This exciting sporting event is being marred by international boycotts over the treatment of workers who built the World Cup facilities. The event is also affecting accommodation prices, visa issuance, and the school calendar for expat families.
Work
Immigrants tend to bear the brunt of economic downturns. The health and economic crises have led to fundamental questions about the expats' place in the local workforce. In 2020, some even bet on the end of global mobility as we know it. Others pointed out the positive impact a decrease in immigration would have on the employment of young locals. But are expats really a threat to the employment of young people?
Work
Let's say you have recently been hired abroad, or you have been promoted, changed department, changed supervisors... And that everything was going fine until the day tensions began to flare between you and your supervisor. Ever since then, every day brought its share of disagreements. Either that, or they would break out without warning, at the turn of a meeting, or because of some misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
Everyday life
The Netherlands' population grew by over 250,000 in 2021, and this trend might be set to persist due to a rising number of non-EU immigrants. However, the Dutch government is looking to temporarily curb immigration, especially among asylum seekers, because it puts unsustainable pressure on this small country with limited housing.
Accommodation
Studying abroad involves many formalities, such as applying for a student visa, taking language tests, opening an overseas bank account, and, very importantly, finding a place to stay. Students can choose between on-campus student residences provided by the university and off-campus options – a single or shared apartment, a homestay, or a private hall of residence. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Visas
Some countries have a special family reunification visa that allows elderly parents and grandparents to come live with their children, who are citizens or residents, usually under the condition that the parent/grandparent will be financially taken care of by the family and will not rely on public services. Which countries have this type of visa?
Work
When you start working in a new country, you should expect the workplace culture and labor laws to be different from those in your home country. Of course, this includes laws concerning paid sick leaves. Some countries, notably Low and Scandinavian countries, have very excellent national sick leave allowances. Meanwhile, other countries, like the United States and India, leave this issue to be determined by employer-employee negotiations and individual work contracts.
Children
Are you tempted by a big adventure abroad with your family? How to be prepared and make your kids feel prepared? Your kids' age, their interests, visas, their education abroad, etc., are some of the key issues you need to consider carefully. Here are a few pointers.
Work
Building your career in the country where you studied is a bit like finding a job in the company where you did your internship: it is easier, there are more advantages, and you are already integrated... In this article, we will review the concrete benefits of staying and working in the country where you studied.
Visas
Since the pandemic, embassies are overwhelmed. As a result, formalities are taking more time, and people must often be very patient. That's especially the case in some countries, where obtaining a visa is a real obstacle course. Which countries have the longest delays in granting visas or visa interviews? How does this affect moving abroad plans?
Everyday life
Adjusting to life abroad means adapting to not only a new culture but also to a new natural environment, including its risks. How should you prepare yourself when you move to a country which often experiences natural disasters? Where to look for information and help in case disaster strikes?
Work
With the end of the pandemic in sight, countries compete to attract qualified foreigners. Canada stands out as a favorite expat destination and keeps on highlighting its immigration policies. Other countries follow suit, with new visas and policies targeting foreign talent. So why are countries focusing on selective immigration, and how does it help economies?
Banks and finance
Economic uncertainties are driving more and more expats to invest abroad. How to manage your money? Which bank to choose? What are the best investments for expats?
Everyday life
Rising inflation, the Ukraine war, not to mention other wars and conflicts which aren't in the limelight of international media, have been affecting energy costs over the past months. Is it still safe to plan a move abroad under these conditions? How are expatriates affected by such rises?
Everyday life
"Who will pay?" For some, this question ruins the beauty of the moment. For others, it simply solves a practical issue. We just surely pay before leaving the restaurant. What are the different approaches in various countries? What is women's stance on this? How is the practice of going Dutch perceived?
Accommodation
That's it. You're moving abroad. What should you do with your current home, whether it's a house or an apartment? Should you sell it or let it? Should you rather invest in property abroad? Here is a roundup of your various options.
Work
The International Workplace Group (IWG) surveyed over 1000 hybrid workers about their work expectations. Nearly 60% reported that they are planning to work from anywhere around the world this year, with two-thirds saying their productivity doesn't depend on location. Since Covid, remote working and digital nomadism have soared. Hyper flexibility and workforce dispersion are becoming normalized within companies.
Everyday life
The profound changes experienced by the whole world since the pandemic have made some well-established expat destinations lose their appeal, and new ones become more attractive. The strictness of sanitary measures, political stability, and the cost of living during a period of worldwide inflation are all factors affecting this change in the choice of destination. Bloomberg published a list of six cities that are emerging as expat hotspots: Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Dubai, Bangalore, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.
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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