Features
Work
Over the last two years, many companies have had to adjust to the turbulent economic cycle by laying off many of their top foreign workers. For those employees who've undergone a layoff, it can be a challenging time both mentally and financially.
Visas
Launched to attract investors and revive economies, Golden Visas are residence visas granted to wealthy foreigners who are keen on investing in real estate. Still, the type of property, the minimum investment amount and the conditions vary from one country to another.
Work
Switzerland is and remains an attractive destination for expatriates from around the world. In fact, the pandemic almost helped the country retain its notoriety, especially among the international talent who is keener on moving there.
Schools & studies
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted businesses, economies, and students who were planning their studies abroad. Some countries have marked a decrease in the number of international students this year, and one of the key factors was related to the pandemic consequences, due to closing borders, inflation, cancellation of scholarships, and, currently, the war.
Accommodation
Real estate prices in Canada have reached all-time highs due to Covid, inflation, the real estate bubble, etc. For the government, facing one more crisis is not an option. Prime Minister Trudeau recently introduced restrictions for wealthy expatriates to end real estate speculation.
Tax
Moving abroad is an exciting but also a long journey. Expats have to research carefully and prepare for their financial responsibilities abroad and, in some cases, for tax returns in their home countries, as happens with Americans and French expatriates.
Everyday life
Expatriates are often not considered in regional elections and cannot express their views regarding local policies and initiatives in their host city and country. In Brussels, many of them cannot participate in elections and local political life, mostly because they do not have Belgian nationality.
Work
International conventions guarantee all expatriate workers the same rights. In reality, however, there are expatriates and others. In fact, white-collar workers have greater protection than blue-collar workers in sectors that are under pressure. The image itself is totally different. In the collective unconscious, the image of a temporary foreign worker seems far from being the common "expat" reference. They are often granted less consideration and protection and are exposed to more difficulties. What does international law say in this regard? How are countries ensuring the protection of temporary expatriate workers?
Everyday life
Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that attracts more and more people who are looking for an escape from their monotonous routines. This trend is especially popular with bloggers and other content creators, social media influencers, etc., and inspires many to dream of such a lifestyle. Have you ever wondered how to offer yourself travel and freedom of movement while earning your living? For the past few years, the rise of remote work and the democratization of digital technology have boosted the number of digital nomads around the world. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Everyday life
Throughout history in different parts of the world, the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another, has been part of the culture and search for power. Expats who have been victims of some sort of discrimination shared their feelings with us.
Canada is with no doubt a top expat destination. However, it is a direct competitor to other destinations such as Switzerland, which ranks first in the latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey. Australia and New Zealand come in second and third, while Canada ranks 13th. Besides, according to a recent study by the Institute of Canadian Citizenship, 30% of newcomers to Canada plan to leave within two years. Does this mean that Canada no longer retains expats?
Everyday life
In 2020, the pandemic took everyone by surprise. Scientists and doctors put efforts together to find a vaccine. This became a global priority. Vaccination campaigns started as soon as the first vaccines were developed. At that time, countries focused on progressive vaccination, starting with the elderly and those at risk, but populations were in a hurry to get vaccinated. Two years later, things have changed. Vaccination against Covid targets new groups.
Finland
Is Finland about to become another top expat destination? The country is making efforts to gain popularity internationally. As soon as it reopened its borders in 2021, this small country has been competing with giants like the United States, Canada, Switzerland, etc. Why is the country so keen on attracting global talent, and what are the benefits of moving there?
Everyday life
Fuel shortage is having drastic consequences in Sri Lanka. At petrol pumps, waiting lines are getting longer. People are gathering in the street, and peaceful demonstrations call for President Rajapaksa's departure. Sri Lanka can no longer afford fuel and is facing the worst economic crisis since independence.
Everyday life
Amidst the war's consequences on the Russian economy, some expats had quietly left the country. Businesspeople, academics, and students who stayed rethink their stay after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and others take advantage of the country's labor shortage to stay as the war has barely impacted Moscow.
Everyday life
Travel and moving abroad plans are back on track as summer approaches in many countries. However, health restrictions seem to be a heavyweight in the balance for many. While some have delayed their travel plans until better days, others simply gave up. Why would they move to a country with so many restrictions when their home country lifted its restrictions?
Banks and finance
World Bank Bilateral Remittances Matrix has continuously placed the UK as the fourth largest remittance sender in the world. The latter source lists India, Nigeria, and Pakistan as the main destinations of remittances from the UK. In addition, according to a report from the United Nations' education agency, migrant workers in the UK, many in low-paid jobs, are sending £8bn a year to support families in their home countries, a transfer known as a remittance.
Banks and finance
The US is one of the countries with more immigrants in the world. It is actually on the list of the top 10 Countries with the highest number of immigrants — 50.6 million. And Americans are also expats, according to the Association of American Residents Overseas, 8.7 million Americans (excluding military) live in 160-plus countries. Every migrant chooses to leave home for different reasons, but many do to contribute to their families and communities in their country of origin by sending money home, a transfer known as a remittance.
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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