Features
Formalities
Expat.com is launching a special dossier over the coming week. We aim to uncover the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on global mobility. Indeed, the pandemic has brought very significant changes to our way of life. What will be the consequences for those who want to spend their retirement abroad after the crisis?
Everyday life
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Expat.com and April International set out to find out what expatriates' responses to the crisis was. We found that while most expats chose to remain in their host country ahead of the crisis, 18% did fly home and another 38% will be heading home once the crisis is over. Find out what else our survey reveals.
Children
From the US to Switzerland: This young mom working in finance in Switzerland tells Expat.com about her experience having a baby abroad…
For some countries and cities, air pollution is a considerable problem. Closely linked to a range of health problems including cardiovascular and lung diseases, it can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and even depression. The very young and those over 60 are at highest risk.
Children
For families, moving abroad with children comes hand-in-hand with much bigger questions than those faced by the single expatriate. While the decision to move children abroad can seem daunting, the influence of a new culture, atmosphere, school system and perhaps language can be enormously enriching for their life to come - and offers the kind of experience they simply wouldn't get in their native schoolrooms. Of course, there are a few key things to consider, so to help get the ball rolling, you'll find below some key things to think about if you're planning a move abroad with kids.
Moving
Some would say that it's too early to speak about moving abroad in the current context, but let's remain objective. While many countries around the world have been seriously affected by the coronavirus, others have managed to control its spread by taking necessary measures. The lockdown has come to an end in many countries, borders are opening gradually, and flights are resuming, under certain conditions. This doesn't mean that you should go right ahead and book a flight, but maybe you could start all over again with planning your move abroad.
Work
You will agree that moving abroad, whether alone or with your family, has never been an easy thing. It's, therefore, crucial to have proper planning, but above all, keep in mind that things won't always turn out as planned. If the global health crisis has compromised your stay abroad, here are some tips for survival.
Saudi Arabia
"If you are young, do not be afraid to change your life because living in a different country broadens your horizons. At the end of this adventure I will take my abaya with me as a symbol of the efforts I have made and the courage I have put in!" Camilla tells us about her life and work experience in Saudi Arabia. Read the interview to find out her story.
It is a whole new world as countries start to slowly emerge out of the restrictive lockdown periods. With new social distancing rules to prevent further spread of the virus, countries and businesses around the world are coming up with super inventive ways to keep living despite the new circumstances.
Work
Here is how French expat Valérie* dealt with losing her job amidst the crisis...
Everyday life
Do you remember that day when you finally decided to be brave enough to pack up your things and move to a new place? You were all excited and pumped and couldn't wait to tell your friends and family. In the end, many of them were probably very happy for you, but still asked a lot of things you cannot stand hearing anymore.
Children
In the past three decades, an increase in freedom of expression of identity and growth of women's empowerment and financial independence have led to the rise in single-parent families. What's more, single parents don't compromise with a mediocre life, but they are in pursuit of their dreams, career success, and a high-standard nurturing environment for their children...
Moving
Due to the rapid evolution of COVID-19, most countries around the globe had to implement strict border controls. For more than two months, only repatriation and essential commercial flights were authorised. Maritime and land transport were also severely affected – all this having a significant impact on immigration and the global economy as a whole. Today, many countries are preparing to lift border restrictions, but under certain conditions. What does that mean?
Everyday life
Life is slowly going back to normal in several countries around the world. Although cautiously and with different rules, borders are reopening and commercial airlines are starting to fly again. An update on the situation.
Sweden
Thibauld, who lives and works in Stockholm, has written a guide to help expats learn the language of their host country. He tells Expat.com about what he has learnt and gives us a few tips.
Work
The health crisis linked to the spread of coronavirus has had a strong impact on world economies. While some countries are still in the middle of the crisis, others have come out of the lockdown and are taking action to give a boost and new life to their economy. Let's see together what are the measures implemented by some nations.
Everyday life
After having been on lockdown for several months, you might find it harder to go back to work or experience serious distress or anxiety about things as trivial as going to the supermarket. Do not panic! This is absolutely normal. Here is what Giuditta Petrella, psychologist and psychotherapist, has to say about what is called the Cabin syndrome.
Schools & studies
Life is slowly getting back to normal in many countries around the world as the lockdown ends. Even though health risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic are still real, schools have also started reopening, under certain conditions. Here's an overview of what's going on around the world.
Other Types
Sponsored
JJ Associates
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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