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Work
The Arab world's competitiveness is promising, as long as the countries in the region commit to economic and social reforms, and accomplish the erosion of persisting inequalities. One solution for a more open and prosperous economy in the Arab world is for its countries to further invest in an entrepreneurial private sector, which will create employment opportunities for the youth. In general, the Arab world needs to diversify its economy by shifting from natural resources to dynamic entrepreneurship, and at the same time fund education, innovation, and connectivity projects.
Everyday life
Moving abroad usually means going on an adventure to discover new places, cultures, and lifestyles. Often, expats are tempted to go and explore beyond their host country, especially when travelling is easily accessible. If you're the adventurous type, Expat.com gives you an insight into five of the world's most historically, naturally, and culturally rich countries according to the Intrepid Adventure Index 2018.
Moving
If you are a seasoned urbanite, most likely your eyes and personality are trained to find the beauty and unique characteristics in every city you live in. Of course, each place has its positive and negative aspects, but some destinations are closer to our heart. Here, we present five charming and contemporary cities around the world, which are not the capital cities.
Everyday life
Today, more and more seniors are looking to retire overseas. Many countries are attracting retirees from around the world by providing not only a high standard of living and quality of life but also a range of financial benefits. Expat.com gives you an insight into the best countries to retire in according to the Global Retirement Index 2018 by Natixis.
Everyday life
Street food isn't only cheap, tasty, and easy to find around the country, but it's also an authentic way to explore the local traditions and culture. Tackling the street food queue and interacting with the cooks puts you in the heart of the local society. You may find yourself practising your language skills when trying to order or find out more about the recipe, or you may start wandering in a neighbourhood that you had never visited before in search of the best food stall in your city. Also, choosing street food for your lunch, dinner, or snack is a flavoursome way to support the local economy. Expat.com has chosen the tastiest street foods from the most attractive expat destinations and warns you that by the end of this article you will be hungry.
Work
The concept of minimum wage helps companies ensure that their employees earn enough for a minimum standard of living, which allows them to stay healthy and enjoy a state of well-being. Clearly, to achieve a similar standard of living in Kuwait, for example, and the Netherlands, you should earn a different minimum salary, depending on the country's cost of living. In general, if a nation's minimum wage is high, there is less poverty, more productivity, increased economic mobility, and reduced income inequality. This article will help you understand where does your host country stand in the international minimum wage ranking, and how does this affect its labour force and economic development.
Work
If your quest for new business prospects leads you to Europe, you're probably wondering about the countries where you're likely to thrive. The European Chamber released its yearly ranking of best European countries for business according to many criteria such as incentives for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, as well as integrity and transparency. To help you choose wisely, Expat.com gives you an insight into the top five European countries to invest or launch your startup in.
Telecommunications
Whether you are moving abroad to set up your tech startup, begin your freelance career, or enjoy the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle, the internet speeds in your host country will profoundly affect your professional performance. That being said, even if your work isn't immediately dependant on the internet, you would still want to have a fast and stable connection to uninterruptibly complete your everyday online tasks. See below the top five countries with the highest average broadband speeds to know where you aren't at risk of sluggish internet connection.
Moving
To become successful in your expatriation project and to make the most of your host country, you should be ready to accept changes in your lifestyle and everyday routine. However, we all have a few habits, favourite activities, or personality traits that we are not willing to compromise regardless of our location or circumstances. Expat.com has selected a few countries depending on your priorities in life to help you choose the most suitable expat destination for you, or to get a better understanding of your new country of residence.
Everyday life
Extreme weather conditions, disastrous natural phenomena such as earthquakes and hurricanes, turmoil and civilian unrest may, at some point, affect your expat life to such an extent that it may be necessary for you and your family to undergo emergency evacuation. The process of getting out of your host country quickly and under the threat of a disaster is scary, and unless you have a plan in place, you run the risk of panicking and not focusing on what's most important: your and your family's safety. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for emergency evacuation.
Everyday life
The world's biggest cities are in perpetual motion to meet the needs of their growing populations and those of the global economy, taking into account immigration and other factors. Today, the largest and wealthiest cities are those who can still offer new opportunities to students, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors. To help you choose the best destination according to your project, Expat.com gives you an insight into the Cities in Motion Index 2018 by the Business School of the University of Navarra.
Everyday life
Did you move abroad and happened to find your soulmate in your host country? We are so happy for you! Now you deserve to have your dream wedding ceremony. So, whether you are planning your wedding in the place you are currently residing in or your partner's home country, look no further. Expat.com has composed a handy guide with everything you may have to consider before your big day.
Work
If we told you, ten years ago, that professional mobility would no longer be appealing, perhaps you would have never agreed. Today, downward professional mobility seems to be on the rise even though many skilled professionals keep seeking new career prospects overseas for various reasons. Expat.com gives you an insight into global labour market trends according to the Boston Consulting Group's Decoding Global Talent 2018 report, and what professionals worldwide aspire to.
Everyday life
Choosing your next destination involves different criteria including quality of life, environment, as well as facilities set up to ensure our well being. Which are the world's healthiest cities? Spotahome released its annual ranking of the world's healthiest cities according to water and air quality, green spaces, life expectancy at birth, work-life balance and accessibility of sports activities. Here's an overview.
Telecommunications
Whether you are about to establish your business abroad or settle in your new home, you will have to choose a telecom service provider from the many available companies targeting the market. Our professional and personal lives are heavily dependant on online, instant communication and wireless telephones, and our home entertainment has incorporated streaming media. In a free market, with more options than ever, it can be difficult to conclude on a telecommunication service provider, especially when you are overseas, and you are not familiar with the brands and expectations. However, there are several things that you need to consider to select a provider which matches your needs.
Moving
Millennials demand flexibility at work, push off marriage until they have established their career and have become financially stable, and are more interested in experiences than homeownership. These digital, entrepreneurial, and well-travelled young people cherish change and are keen to take up the challenge of relocation. But where do Millennials flock to, and what are their criteria for liking a place? Nestpick, a global accommodation website, has ranked 110 cities based on professional opportunities, good quality of life, tolerance, and recreation. Here are the five most popular urban centres among Millennials for this year.
Transport
With the development of the commercial aviation industry, non-stop flights have become longer — no one could have imagined back in the 1950s that the journey from the UK to Australia which was made of nine layovers would become a 17-hour direct flight. As an expat, you are probably travelling more often than the average person; it's therefore important for your mental and physical well being to know how to manage discomfort during eight, ten, or seventeen hours of flying.
Everyday life
Besides a country's economic and political stability, and its cultural and historical wealth, reputation is another factor to be considered, whether you're moving alone or with your family. The Reputation Institute published its yearly ranking of the world's most reputable countries according to their attractiveness. Ethics, security, natural beauty, lifestyle, quality of life, and friendliness and hospitality are some of the aspects taken into account. Discover five of the world's most reputable countries.
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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