Features
Health system
Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic, many countries around the world were quick to impose confinement on their citizens, with some even considering its extension to above a month as a precautionary measure. Obviously, this situation is having a considerable impact on jobs around the world. While many professionals have switched to remote working, depending on their sector, in order to ensure continuity of services, others are currently unsure about their future. Here are some testimonials from four professionals working in different countries.
Should I go or should I stay while the world faces one of the worst health crises in history? A dilemma for a lot of expats right now and particularly, for young expats who are on internships or year abroad. Olivia, a young French woman on an internship in Madrid, shares her experience with us.
Schools & studies
Not one economic sector or population segment is left unscathed by the current health crisis linked to the COVID-19. Schools closing have affected the world of education everywhere around the world. Enakshee, a Mauritian student living in Vancouver shares with us how she is coping with this crisis.
Health system
Being forced to remain indoors with limited social interaction coupled with the threat of the Coronavirus is an unusual situation to be in to say the least. Especially if you're an expat living away from your loved ones, it can definitely take a toll on one's emotional wellbeing and mental health. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your mental health during the COVID-19 disease outbreak as an expat.
Schools & studies
New week for the Expat.com team. Unlike other weeks, however, we are all working from home because… well because of the COVID-19 outbreak, obviously. And, because a lot of you have probably transitioned to remote working in the last few days, we thought we would share with you how we are getting things done while working in the comfort of our homes.
Health system
While most countries in the world have imposed strict travel restrictions, with some closing their borders until further notice, thousands of foreigners are currently stranded abroad. Impossible, for some, to go back home and escape the global health crisis. Hard for others to stay away from their loved ones during this period. Some of them have shared their feelings with Expat.com.
Health system
Since the beginning of this year, the Coronavirus epidemic has flung itself to every corner of the earth, affecting roughly 150 countries. Countries like Spain and Italy are completely shutting down. The United States is severely restricting air traffic from Europe. People in almost every country are becoming increasingly concerned for their loved ones, especially their elders. Stocks are plummeting and workers in almost every sector are on the brink of losing money. Below are the testimonials of expats in countries most affected by the outbreak.
Japan
As of March 18, 2020, Japan had 1,592 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a death poll of 29. Hokkaido, in the far north of Japan, is the most affected region, with 152 confirmed cases. Next comes Aichi, southwest of Tokyo (125 cases), and the very touristy Osaka (112 cases). Tokyo comes just behind, with 102 new infected cases.
Countries in South East Asia were the very first to be infected by the coronavirus outbreak. Here is an insight into the lives of expats in this part of the world as the epidemic is increasingly becoming under control.
USA
As the American authorities struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus, three expats share their experiences with us.
USA
As of March 16, 2020, the total Coronavirus cases in the United States are 3,487 and 68 deaths. However, the data changes day-by-day meteorically, and for the most up-to-date information regarding the U.S. one should be checking with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts agree that the number of infected people exceeds the number of laboratory-confirmed cases since many COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic yet fully capable of infecting others.
England
On December 31st 2019, China alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to a growing number of pneumonia-like cases in Wuhan, caused by an unknown virus. By January 7th, the new virus had been identified and was later named COVID-19 - part of a family of coronaviruses that include the common cold and SARS.
Since the 14th of March, France is under lockdown. That's everything you need to know about the situation in the country right now.
Italy
Italians and foreign citizens living in Italy have been on lockdown since the 9th of March. France has also been under lockdown since the 16th of March and the situation in the UK is increasingly worrying. Estelle and Hermione, respectively in Rome and in Milan, give us an insight of life in Italy during this outbreak. British expat Ericka in France and French expat Caroline in London tells us a little about the situation in their host countries.
China
Is the worst behind us in China? It surely seems like the country is recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak and ready to tackle the aftermath. Here is everything expats and expats-to-be need to know about China's situation today.
Health system
“Can I travel to China?”, “Can I travel to Italy?”, “Can I travel to France?” If you were planning to settle in or travel to one of the countries affected by the Coronavirus soon, Expat.com gives you the updates on the border controls around the world with a special focus on countries particularly affected by the Coronavirus.
Health system
Travelling during this time of pandemic is not recommended and potentially even banned depending on where in the world you live or where you want to go. However, you might be absolutely required to take a flight. And in this case, we have you covered. We have compiled a few tips which should help you before leaving while traveling and when you're reached your destination during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Health system
As China officially announced that the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak has been reached, the situation is slowly getting back to normal. Sumayyah Hosany, a Mauritian expat living in Wenzhou with her husband Hamad Abdul Zahir from Pakistan, talks to Expat.com about her feelings about the pandemic. Both are doctors who have been volunteering in the Ouhai district in Wenzhou.
Other Types
Paraguay
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Japan
Conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made immigration one of the key issues of her term. Since October 2025, foreign professionals, particularly entrepreneurs, have had to deal with stricter immigration rules. Early surveys reveal a significant drop in the number of entrepreneur visa applications.
France
This quiet reform barely made a ripple in France's political debates, yet it slipped through largely unnoticed and will tighten the rules for those who combine work and retirement.
France
A decree published on April 25 in the Official Gazette updates the rules allowing foreign workers to apply for the European Card or register on the "list of jobseekers."
France
E-invoicing (and e-reporting) was previously voluntary. From September 1, 2026, it will become mandatory for businesses to issue and receive electronic invoices. So who exactly is affected?
United Arab Emirates
The UAE's Golden Visa program has been updated. The reform, focused on simplification, aims to further cement the United Arab Emirates' position as a top destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
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