Features
Moving
Border closures during the past year have had a significant impact on the travel industry. But as they reopen gradually, flights are resuming, and people have started travelling again, even though the purpose of their trips have somewhat changed. So here are ten expat profile you could come across on your next flight overseas.
Work
In June last year, the IMF had predicted a 4.9% drop in global growth for 2020 — a percentage that was revised to 4.4% in October. We are in February 2021, and there are no signs of transition to normality before this year's third and fourth quarters. But innovation and entrepreneurship, accompanied by aspiration, discovery, and evolution are forces that cannot be suppressed until we wipe out Covid-19.
Schools & studies
In a climate of uncertainty and change, university students worldwide are adapting or struggling to adjust to the new educational landscape. International students are particularly prone to the unprecedented challenges brought on by Covid-19, such as isolation, online learning, and anxiety. Some students have seen their academic performance deteriorate while others are dealing with additional stress due to financial insecurity, visa hardships, career unpredictability, and lack of support network.
Formalities
Travel and population exchange has proved to be one of the pandemic's closest friends. Hence, since the outbreak, limiting international and local travel has been a top priority among governments worldwide. Expats and expats-to-be have seen their plans changing quickly; many have lost international job placements, and others have waited for months to reunite with their families or return to their home country.
Work
After the Covid-19 labour market changes, expatriate and mobile employability will never look the same. The pandemic has shaped the labour market of tomorrow in so many ways — from how we communicate with our colleagues and where we work from to job losses among low-skilled workers, child-carers (mostly mothers), and the youth.
Formalities
As countries around the world face a new surge of COVID-19, many of them have tightened their travel restrictions in recent weeks, making a negative PCR test mandatory fr all travellers. Here's a roundup of countries where you need to get tested before or after your arrival.
Everyday life
Settling in South America can be daunting if you can't figure out where to start. From shipping some essential stuff you might need to finding a local market and grocery shop, here are tips from Jerry Nelson, an American expat who lives in Buenos Aires.
Moving
The Internet and specialised expat guides definitely help in planning an international relocation. Still, having personalised tips can go a long way. Our guest blogger, Jerry Nelson, asked a couple of long term travellers.
Work
The global health crisis had a significant impact on the global labour market, leading to a sharp rise in the unemployment rate. If you're looking for a job as an expat or you're looking to recruit, here is what foreign professionals bring to a business.
Work
Is a person ever too old to become a writer? Or an expat? For Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger from Argentina, the answer to both is no. You're never too old to become a writer and certainly not too old to be an expat.
Leisure
Movies can cheer you up if you're having a hard time away from your loved once during this festive season. Unable to go shopping or dine out as you would have wished to? No problem. Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger, has selected some of the best expat movies to cheer you up.
Everyday life
Less than a month before Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, many countries are still locked down. Some governments are planning to ease a couple of restrictions in the coming weeks, but they are likely to play it safe. Amid the global health crisis, what are Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations going to look like?
Health system
Nearly a year after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, a new vaccine was found with 95% efficacy. Developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, this vaccine should be available around the world from January 2021. Another vaccine, having the same rate of efficacy, has been developed simultaneously in Russia. Does this mean that travel and immigration can resume once people have been vaccinated?
Leisure
Thanksgiving is celebrated this Thursday 26th of November in the United States. This celebration kickstarts the end of year celebrations in this country. And soon the world with follow with Christmas and end of year gatherings, albeit online because of the pandemic. Here are a few tips for planning your online parties.
Israel
In the latest cost-of-living report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv is now the world's 5th most expensive city. While the Israeli capital ranks behind Zurich, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore, it is ahead of other large cities such as Osaka, Geneva, New York, Copenhagen and Los Angeles. What does this mean for expats?
Everyday life
This year, the festive season is going to be different, with the global health crisis and restrictions all around the world. Many countries have already decided to cancel their major annual events so as to prevent risks of contagion. As some of them went back into lockdown during the past few weeks, there won't be the usual crowds. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate Christmas and the New Year's Eve amidst the crisis.
Work
Malaysia is planning to reduce its foreign workforce in order to promote employment for Malaysians. Its approach is similar to that of other top expat destinations, such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, etc. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the opportunity to boost their economy by enhancing their image in the eyes of foreigners. What does this mean for foreign professionals who are looking to a career change overseas?
Formalities
Are you moving abroad with small children and wonder what in the world you were thinking? When you land you will immediately begin dealing with consumer concerns, and then the unpacking and organizing. You are doing all of this while taking care of young people who depend on you for nearly everything. Moving within your own country is a challenge, but moving to a foreign country brings about a significant change that can sometimes seem insurmountable. What can you do to preserve your own health and sanity? Stay calm, Mom or Dad, we have tips for you.
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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