Features
The debate around visa processes and specifically visas for people with skills on a country's skills shortage list has taken center stage over the past few years. President Trump has unveiled an artificial intelligence strategy to increase US security in travel but without the necessary skills domestically to achieve this, people skilled in AI will have to be brought in from abroad. Since the US has strict visa procedures that may take months to process, it might be time to consider the creation of a special visa for AI skilled workers. And other countries are considering this.
Work
You've managed to land the job of your dreams in the country of your dreams. Just one more step before (potentially) saying yes: negotiating your salary and accompanying benefits. But you're not quite sure how to go about this. It is a different country, with a different professional etiquette. While there will be country-specific tips, here a few things to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Children
Since the 9th of October, assisted reproduction is legal in France for all women. Therefore, heterosexual and homosexual women, as well as married and unmarried women, will be entitled to this alternative. Expat.com takes stock of this decision. Also, whether you plan to expatriate to be able to have a child by assisted reproduction or whether this option is important in the choice of an expatriate destination… here is a tour of countries and what their legislation say about assisted reproduction.
Everyday life
When settling down in a new country, one of the first challenges is mastering a new language and then a whole new cultural setting. The latter will, however, depend on your expat destination and cultural differences between native country and adopted country. However, in general, expats also face common difficulties that are more or less the same regardless of where one goes. Expat.com has compiled a list of the 10 things that are most likely to be difficult for expats to adapt...
Everyday life
Again and again one will hear how living abroad changes you forever and what an incredible experience it is. And yes, expats always have good stories to tell about their life abroad. But it is important to tackle the flip side of the coin from time to time and sometimes, it takes the form of xenophobia. What are instances expats have encountered xenophobia while living abroad and how have they dealt with it?
Everyday life
The Smart City Index 2019 was published last week. It ranks the smartest cities in the world. But what exactly is a smart city? And how much should “smartness” weigh in the balance when choosing what city to settle in?
Everyday life
Have you been offered a job abroad? Do you feel the need to get out of your daily routine? Do you dream of going away? But are you really ready to leave everything behind and move abroad? Here are five questions you need to ask yourself to find out...
The United Nations Climate Summit took place this September in New-York and the summit itself was largely overshadowed by the presence of young climate activist, Greta Thunberg. The young Swedish woman advocates for more efforts to reduce climate change. She even refused to take the plane to the United States in an attempt to encourage people to cut down their flying and therefore, help reduce carbon emissions. What can expats do to follow in the steps of young Greta Thunberg?
Everyday life
Climate is often a decisive factor when it comes to choosing an expatriation destination. Who would not want to move to a sunny, tropical island? Circumstances, however, often mean that you are most likely to end up in a country with harsher weather conditions than that. Here are some tips for choosing your destination and preparing for your new life.
Formalities
Whereas a retirement plan should be a concern for every adult who wishes to spend their golden years in relative comfort, expats have a lot more to organise when it comes to their pension. Precisely, if you have been living and working abroad for many years, you cannot rely on what your home country's national pension scheme has to offer. To make things clearer and your expat life easier, we have put together some insightful information about retirement planning when working outside your home country.
England
The United Kingdom is known to have one of the strictest immigration policies. This October, however, settling down in the UK will be made a little easier. Conditions to apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa, the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa as well as the Start-up visa will change to make them more accessible.
Everyday life
When a couple decides to settle abroad, very often there is the person who leaves for work and the one who follows. And while both partners have usually properly thought through their decision, the entourage is not always very open-minded regarding the role of the “trailing spouse”. What are the questions expat partners get asked all the time but cannot stand?
New Zealand
The changes are part of a bigger immigration reform in New Zealand. The requirements for the Talent Work Visa, one of the most sought after ways of settling in New Zealand are toughening up. The changes will come into effect on the 7th of October this year.
Switzerland
Ahead of the 'Welcome to Switzerland' forum, happening on October 1st, Expat.com talks to Pierre-Marie Durécu, Communications Officer of the France-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce. He tells us about the business climate, and will make you consider moving to this beautiful country.
Work
Moving abroad is often motivated by the quest of new career prospects, attractive wages, a higher standard of living, as well as quality of life. However, not everyone chooses the same path; some prefer to donate their time and energy instead of having materialistic rewards. International volunteering is a great way not only to boost your resume but also to benefit from an extraordinary experience abroad by helping to improve the lives of different communities. Three international volunteers share their views with Expat.com.
China
Ahead of the Expat Show Shanghai which will be on from the 20th to the 22nd of September we have had a chat with Christophe Rouillon. He is the director of ESSCA Shanghai, the Chinese branch of a French business school.
Many expatriates neglect proper planning for the event of passing away in their new country of residence. Some do not at all contemplate, neither plan for such an event. Even if there are a lot more exciting things to plan for when deciding to settle abroad, expats would avoid unimaginable problems and misery for their next of kin, friends, or embassies and consuls that have to deal with their passing away in their host country if they planned for the worst case scenario when going abroad.
China
Ahead of the Expat Show Shanghai to be held from September 20 to 22, we offer a series of expatriate profiles living in this Chinese city. Meet Annick-Ange Logmo and Laura Miens. They're both foreign students at the ESSCA School Shanghai but their experiences are different...
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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