Health care in London

Canada

International students affected by rising unemployment

According to official statistics, youth unemployment is nearing 12%. Finding a job in Canada is becoming increasingly difficult, and international students already struggling with rising living costs, driven by soaring rents, are forced into precarious jobs. Unable to work full-time, they are pushed towards the lowest-paying jobs. Another challenge is the limited number of sectors open to international students. Studying under these conditions is tough, especially with skyrocketing tuition fees. International students, who already pay significantly more than locals, are seeing their fees increase even further. Has the government's strategy to combat labor shortages reached its limits? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledges that the policy has exceeded its goal, speaking of “regaining control of the situation” and “reducing these numbers,” meaning reducing the number of temporary residents, especially international students. In January, the government announced a cap on the number of international students and raised the income threshold for applicants. In April, a new plan was launched to reduce the number of temporary residents. Universities, including some prestigious institutions, fear financial difficulties, as international students contribute significantly to their funding.

The cap on off-campus work hours for students reintroduced

New restrictions are on the horizon for international students. On April 29, Immigration Minister Marc Miller ended the measure allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week. This decision took effect on April 30. Introduced during the pandemic to address students' reduced incomes, the measure will not be renewed. Critics argue it mainly served to combat significant labor shortages. By capping international students' work hours, Canada aims to align with other countries (such as Australia). Studies show that excessive working hours negatively impact studies. According to government data, over 80% of international students work more than 20 hours per week. Marc Miller emphasizes that the primary purpose of a study permit is to study, not to work. The government is aware of the impact of rising living costs on students' finances. Starting in September, the number of work hours will increase to 24 per week. However, international students are free to work unlimited hours during non-study periods (such as summer vacation).

Quebec population growth driven by immigration

The latest report from the Quebec Institute of Statistics highlights unprecedented figures: in 2023, 50% of Quebec provinces recorded the highest growth rates since the start of statistical records (1986–1987). Montreal leads with a 4.3% population increase (+89,600 residents), nearly double the overall provincial growth rate (+2.3%). Although Montreal has lost many residents to other provinces, it has welcomed an equally significant number of new foreign residents. Analysts are not surprised by Montreal's situation, noting that the city's demographics have been driven by temporary immigration for several years. While immigration is lower in other cities, it still reaches record levels. Quebec City gained 20,678 residents in 2023, including 18,494 new expatriates. The Centre-du-Quebec, Mauricie, Estrie, and Montérégie regions also set records. According to official statistics, economic immigration accounted for 69% of arrivals in 2023. Permanent immigrants primarily come from France (13%), Cameroon (11.8%), and China (11.1%).

New legislation on Canadian citizenship by descent

Canada is reforming its citizenship legislation to include more eligible individuals. The bill, introduced on May 23 by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, is known as “Bill C-71.” It will allow children of Canadian citizens born abroad to pass on citizenship to their children and enable “lost Canadians” to reclaim their citizenship. This refers to individuals who could not assert their Canadian citizenship due to legal entanglements. The bill follows a decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, which, in December 2023, deemed the current law limiting citizenship by descent to the first generation unconstitutional. Aligning with this decision, Miller believes the current law excludes individuals with ties to Canada, impacting their lives significantly and lastingly (residence, studies, employment access, etc.). Eligible parents include those born abroad or who adopted children abroad, having lived at least 1,095 cumulative days (about 3 years) in Canada before the child's birth or adoption. However, the bill is still in the proposal stage. Miller promises more details if the law is passed in Parliament.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

New visa for environmental professionals

The UAE has introduced a new way to demonstrate its commitment to environmental preservation. On May 15, the state launched the “Blue Residency,” a long-term residence visa specifically for foreign professionals working in the environment and sustainability sectors. The visa targets foreign talents who have made an “exceptional contribution” to environmental preservation in the UAE or internationally. Eligible candidates include members of international organizations and NGOs, activists, researchers, award winners, etc. Applications are submitted online to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.

Dubai launches its Gaming Visa

In 2024, the video game industry continues to grow, with over 3 billion players worldwide, generating more than 280 billion euros. Dubai aims to establish itself in this burgeoning market with its new “Dubai Gaming Visa.” Part of the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” this visa is designed to attract foreign gaming industry talents and position Dubai as a global gaming hub. The visa targets not only professional gamers (including e-sports professionals) but also the gaming ecosystem: developers, content creators, professionals, and experts in the field. Dubai also targets local talents who can benefit from the opportunities created by collaborating with foreign professionals. The Dubai Gaming Visa is a long-term residence visa. The government promises tax exemptions, support for startups and foreign investors, numerous job opportunities, and high salaries. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and experienced in their field, with supporting evidence (participation, victories in e-sport tournaments, professional experience, etc.). Dubai will host e-sport tournaments and other global gaming events. Eligible foreign talents will receive an accreditation certificate labeled “Creative and Talented.”

Thailand

Tax reform might result in a heavy bill for expats

Effective January 2024, Thailand's tax reform will impact certain expatriates, including retirees. The Ministry of Finance announced that all foreign residents must declare their income taxes starting in March 2025. The tax will be based on the income defined by the Immigration Bureau. Initial estimates suggest an expatriate might owe 71,000 baht, or nearly 2,000 dollars, in taxes. The reform aims to increase the tax base to secure more resources as the country faces an aging population. It also seeks to reduce inequalities between locals and foreign nationals. Since 1985, expatriates have benefited from a legal loophole allowing them to avoid taxes. The tax administration advises foreign nationals to consult a tax expert to verify if their home country and Thailand have a double taxation agreement. Such an agreement could reduce the tax burden. Thailand has tax agreements with about 60 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, the US, and the UAE.

Visa relaxations to boost the economy

On Tuesday, May 28, the Thai government adopted measures to revive the economy, extending stay periods for several categories of foreign nationals:

• Foreign graduate students can stay one year after graduation.
• From September 1, foreign retirees will benefit from relaxed insurance rules.
• Digital nomads can apply for the “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV). The DTV is intended for remote workers, musicians, professional athletes, and medical tourists. It allows a 180-day stay, extendable up to 5 years. The visa costs 10,000 baht (about 272 dollars) for a 180-day stay. Family members can also travel under the DTV.
• More foreign tourists will benefit from visa exemptions (for stays up to 60 days). Currently, 57 countries enjoy the exemption, increasing to 93 in June 2024 (UK, Australia, EU, US, etc.). Foreign nationals must still provide their Thai address upon arrival but will no longer need to request a visa extension if they wish to stay beyond 30 days. Announced by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, these measures target major expatriate and foreign traveler categories. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports aims to welcome 35 million foreign tourists in 2024.

10-year visa for foreign executives and experts

A new reform aims to attract foreign talent. In May, Thailand established a special 10-year visa for foreign executives and experts working in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Objectives include addressing the skilled labor shortage and supporting the development of high-tech industries (healthcare, digital, biotechnology, electric vehicles, etc.). Previously, the visa was limited to 5 years. The new 10-year visa allows multiple entries and is tied to the employment contract duration. The government identifies four types of expatriates eligible for the EEC visa: executives, specialists, experienced professionals, and dependents. Visa holders also benefit from a reduced income tax rate of 17%, compared to the maximum progressive rate of 35%. Thailand aims to attract nearly 3 billion dollars in investments and become a new strategic hub in Southeast Asia.

France: Online reimbursement Requests for Medical Care Abroad

Since last month, it's possible to request reimbursement for medical care received abroad via Ameli.fr, the French health insurance platform. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has already facilitated reimbursement for European travelers within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the UK. Despite Brexit, the EHIC remains usable, ensuring coverage under the same conditions as in the home country. Non-European residents in France traveling within the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK can use the EHIC, except in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, simplified coverage (e.g., advance payment for medical expenses) is not available for European or non-European nationals traveling outside the EEA. Expatriates must cover all their medical expenses and then request reimbursement upon their return to France. Previously, this process was done only via a paper form with necessary supporting documents (postal submission). Committed to digitizing its services, France now offers the process online, promising more secure and faster processing. Users must have an account on Ameli.fr. In case of difficulty or complex cases, they can visit their health insurance office.

Italy introduced an entrance fee to visit Venice

One of the most popular tourist cities has launched a new program to manage the tourist influx. Since April 25, visiting Venice requires paying a symbolic 5-euro fee. Violators risk fines of up to 300 euros. Payments can be made via smartphone, with kiosks available for visitors without smartphones. The fee applies for visits between 8:30 am and 4 pm. Visiting Venice outside these hours remains free. In Venice, combating over-tourism is crucial. Weeks before the fee was introduced, UNESCO recommended listing Venice as a World Heritage Site in Danger, citing the negative impact of over-tourism. The fee aims to discourage tourists from visiting Venice during peak days. However, after a month of implementation, tourists continue to arrive in large numbers. The 5-euro fee does not deter them; the city collected 700,000 euros within a week, the expected monthly revenue. Locals criticize the measure as ineffective against over-tourism. The city promises fiscal benefits, but locals remain skeptical.

European Union: Strengthening cooperation to combat traffic offenses committed abroad

Some drivers were under the impression that by becoming more lenient with foreign traffic laws, they would not receive a penalty. They rely on their “passing through” status to commit violations with impunity. In practice, about 40% of cross-border traffic violations go unpunished. But the EU has decided to put an end to this. On April 24, European Parliament members strengthened cooperation and information exchange rules between states. These rules include the obligation to respond to a request from an EU country without delay or within two months of receiving information at the latest. The country where the violation occurred can issue a traffic violation notice within 11 months, tracking the foreign offender to their home. Additionally, the offender's home country has two months to contact the offender. The new rules expand the list of offenses targeted by increased European cooperation. In addition to speeding, they include running a red light, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, crossing a solid line, and dangerous parking and overtaking. Although the European Parliament adopted the reform, it must still pass through the European Council. EU countries will then have 30 months to implement it.

Switzerland

Tripling fees for studying at Polytechnics

On Wednesday, May 29, the National Council (representing the Swiss population) decided to triple fees for international students enrolled in the Federal Polytechnics: EPF Lausanne (EPFL) and EPF Zurich (ETHZ). The decision was made during the debate on education and research funding. It came after the Federal Council (Swiss government) proposed cutting the polytechnics' budget by 100 million Swiss francs. However, the executive's proposed cut was ultimately rejected. Opponents argue that reducing the budget would make the polytechnics less competitive, particularly in research. The measure is seen as counterproductive when countries are competing to attract the best international students. The National Council's decision is divisive. Currently, international students pay the same fees as nationals. Left-wing parties and the Federal Council oppose the measure. However, the National Council maintained its decision. If implemented, tuition fees for international students would increase from 1,560 to 4,480 Swiss francs annually. Corinne Feuz, EPFL spokesperson, refuses to distinguish between students, noting that “the annual cost of education is the same for everyone, regardless of nationality or degree: 780 Swiss francs per semester.” ETHZ and EPFL have about 30% international students.

Budget cuts and skilled labor shortages

Cloudy times in Switzerland. According to the OECD, 2024 will be a sluggish year, with an estimated GDP growth of 1.1%. Inflation continues to weigh on purchasing power, and the state is tightening its belt. Although unemployment is slightly rising (4.4%), the country still faces a skilled labor shortage. The OECD suggests turning to foreign workers. However, the government plans to reduce its unemployment insurance contribution by 1.25 billion Swiss francs. The right-wing, opposed to economic immigration to solve the labor shortage, urges the government to tighten asylum rules. Meanwhile, the Federal Council requests an additional 255 million Swiss francs for its migration budget.

Germany

New measures for non-European skilled workers

Germany has officially launched the Opportunity Card, a one-year temporary residence permit allowing non-European foreigners to seek employment in Germany. Effective June 1, the Opportunity Card enables foreign nationals to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or undertake trial internships (up to two weeks). Upon securing a job, foreign nationals can apply for a long-term residence card, benefiting from a simplified process thanks to their employment. The Opportunity Card is a points-based permit, requiring at least six points for eligibility. It is reserved for foreign professionals with at least two years of professional training or a university degree relevant to the desired position. Applicants must also speak German or English and prove they can support themselves during their stay (proof of financial capacity, part-time job in Germany). It's recommended to have just over 12,000 euros. Points are awarded based on various criteria. For instance, being under 40 years old at the time of application or having previously stayed in Germany (even as a tourist) grants one point. Having recognized professional training in Germany awards four points. At least five years of experience in the relevant field provides three points. Applicants can apply at their home country's consulate or in Germany at a local foreign registration office.

Rising tax on air tickets

Traveling from Germany is set to become more expensive due to the increase in the civil aviation tax (Luftverkehrsabgabe) decided by the government in May. The tax will rise slightly for travel within the EU (from 12.73 euros to 15.53 euros) and more significantly for long-distance destinations (from 58.06 euros to 70.83 euros). This decision comes amid budgetary tensions, as the state seeks to replenish its coffers after part of the 2024 budget was rejected by the German Constitutional Court. The new taxes are expected to generate 445 million euros for the state.

Minimum wage increase for specialized nurses

The minimum wage for specialized nurses in long-term care and elderly care will increase to 15.50 euros per hour for unqualified nurses, 16.50 euros per hour for nursing assistants, and 16.50 euros per hour for qualified nurses. Germany is experiencing a significant labor shortage in healthcare, with only 5 million caregivers. The Federal Statistical Office estimates the country will need an additional 280,000 to 690,000 caregivers by 2049.

United Kingdom: Visa rule changes affecting international graduates

The new visa rule changes have dealt a blow to international students. The increase in the minimum salary threshold decided by the government (from £26,200 to £38,700 for unskilled workers and £30,960 for those under 26) has deterred employers. Many employers warned they would be unable to hire foreign professionals due to the new government standards. Large corporations are also affected: several banks have canceled job offers for foreign graduates. One bank, which had hired over 2,700 workers in 2023, has canceled 35 offers (3% of fall 2023 graduate applications). These announcements raise fears of more job cancellations for foreign graduates who have invested massively in their professional projects. The government's drastic plan to reduce legal immigration leads companies, including large corporations, to scale back their hiring plans for foreign professionals. The Migration Advisory Committee urges the government to maintain the graduate visa program, which allows graduates to work in the UK for two years after graduation. However, it's uncertain if the Conservatives, desperate to limit electoral fallout (elections are on July 4), will follow the recommendation.

Australia

Update on the Australian immigration strategy

Changes are coming for the temporary graduate visa program starting July 1. Besides renaming, the government has reduced the maximum age for applicants to 35 years. Nationality restrictions also apply. Detailed changes and information are available on the Immigration and Citizenship Ministry website. International students and their guardians will need more money to live in Australia. The government has aligned financial capacity requirements with the national minimum wage. These updates are part of the December 2023 reform to reduce net immigration figures.

New Innovation Visa for foreign talent

On Tuesday, May 14, the government announced a new “Innovation Visa” targeting highly skilled workers and other foreign talents. The Innovation Visa replaces the controversial Business Innovation and Investment Program (Golden Visa), ending this year. It also replaces the Global Talent Visa, which will also end this year. The Innovation Visa is part of Australia's policy to prioritize skilled immigration while limiting net immigration. The government will increase controls to suspend any “abusive” student visas. A voting system for working holiday visa applications from China, India, and Vietnam will be introduced from the fiscal year ending June 2025. The government aims to reduce net immigration to 260,000 for 2024-2025, down from 528,000 for 2022-2023.

United States

Alert for LGBTQIA+ travelers

The US Department of State advises LGBTQ+ travelers to exercise caution. This message is addressed to US nationals traveling abroad and the entire community. The “global caution” recommendation was issued in mid-May as the LGBTQ+ community prepared for Pride Month celebrations. According to US intelligence, foreign terrorist groups could infiltrate these events to target the LGBTQIA+ community. The State Department notes a rise in hate crimes against the community in recent years. The increase in anti-LGBT laws in several US states and the missteps of Republican politicians add to the tension.

New measures for H-1B visa holders

Is 2024 another year of major layoffs in tech? Google, Cisco, Tesla, Microsoft, Snap, Paypal, Walmart, and other large companies are announcing mass layoffs, a blow for H-1B visa holders who must leave the country if they do not find a job within 60 days (grace period). To prevent expulsions, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced several stay extension measures:

• Request a change in nonimmigrant status during the grace period.
• Request a status correction.
• Invoke “compelling circumstances” to obtain a work authorization document (EAD).
• Submit a “non-frivolous” request to change employers. USCIS reminds eligible nonimmigrants that they can smoothly transition to new job opportunities. Expatriates applying for a self-sponsored nonimmigrant visa can do so while requesting a status change. Foreign nationals can remain in the US during their application review. They can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD). Foreign nationals in precarious situations can obtain a one-year EAD.

Google calls for immigration reform to attract foreign talent

The American tech giant is joining the immigration debate. According to Google, US policy must modernize to retain foreign talent, especially professionals in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), two booming sectors. The company specifically targets Schedule A, which lists sectors lacking US workers, last updated in 2005. Google insists on the need to revise this list to include AI and cybersecurity jobs. The group recommends regular updates to the list, reflecting market conditions and labor needs. It suggests opening the update to public comments to gather more information and ensure transparency. Google also criticizes the permanent labor certification (PERM) process as too lengthy, advocating for a simpler and faster system. The company focuses on AI jobs, warning the government about the global talent shortage in this sector. Simplifying immigration procedures will attract more qualified professionals, as the AI battle is already underway among US companies. Tech giants compete for foreign AI specialists. According to Google, immigration reform will make the US competitive in AI and other advanced sectors. Maintaining current policies would result in a loss of foreign talent, harming the US economy.