Work - Expat News

Work - Expat Magazine

Malaysia

Malaysia doubles minimum salary requirement for expats in 2026

Malaysia has adopted a new reform that will significantly raise the minimum salary required to employ foreign workers. The government is also introducing additional measures to better regulate expatriate hiring.

Oman

Oman bans expats from over 200 jobs

Oman is expanding its Omanization policy, which aims to prioritize local employment. The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that more than 200 additional roles are now closed to foreign workers.

Do you need a master's degree or just skills to work abroad?

Master's degrees, MBAs, PhDs… These qualifications are often seen as a fast track to an international career. But as career paths become less linear, the real value of a degree is increasingly questioned. Is an advanced academic route still the best option, or do employers abroad care more about hands-on experience and job-ready skills, especially intercultural ones? For anyone aiming to work internationally, these questions are now shaping what it takes to build a truly borderless career.

England

UK to prioritize British graduates for NHS jobs

The UK government plans to prioritize British nationals for NHS (National Health Service) roles. Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the move is intended to put the system back on track after what he called the previous government's “catastrophic” handling of the NHS.

New trends redefining international careers in 2026

Slow working, slow management and workations have already rewritten the rules in the past years. In 2026, the international job market is evolving once again. So which trends are fading, and which ones are becoming essential?

Maternity leave for expat women: What are your legal rights?

After the joy of announcing a pregnancy comes a key question: how will it all work out? When you are preparing to look for a job abroad, the arrival of a baby may come as a surprise, even if parenthood was already part of your plans. That surprise often turns into uncertainty when the pregnancy takes place overseas. What does the law in the host country say? How can you make sure your rights are respected?

Why office naps are a cultural norm in some countries

In 2026, office napping is being rediscovered as a workplace trend, mainly in countries where it has never truly taken root. In other parts of the world, however, napping has long been seen as more than a pause in the day: it is a practical habit with lasting benefits.

Shy or introverted? You can still succeed abroad

The image of the so-called “super expat” still causes significant damage. Constantly hearing stories of outgoing expats who have built successful careers abroad can make it seem as though extraversion is a requirement imposed by host countries. Of course, this is not the case. Discretion, introversion or shyness do not prevent ambition, nor do they stop people from taking their chances abroad. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

From office naps to pets at work: Unusual workplace trends

Working from home, flexible hours, and redesigned office spaces have become part of everyday working life and no longer raise eyebrows. But some companies are going even further, experimenting with increasingly original, sometimes surprising, workplace practices. While these initiatives may seem amusing or trivial to some, others see them as having a real impact on employee well-being. So what are these unusual new trends shaping the world of work?

Moving abroad in 2026? Here's what you should expect

Where will expat trends move in 2026? With the new year underway, it's time to look back at the shifts that defined global mobility in 2025. What lessons stand out—and what lies ahead for expats in 2026?

Global shortage of social workers: Where demand is rising

International organizations warn that the world is running short of social workers. Demand continues to climb as social and geopolitical tensions intensify across many countries. But the root of the problem often comes down to funding: the need for qualified professionals is growing, yet government budget cuts make it harder to recruit and retain them. This article takes a closer look at a profession under mounting global pressure.

Retiring as an expat: Will your international career count?

It's probably not the first thing you think about. When starting an international career, you're focused on growing your skills, gaining experience, and building stability, not on your future pension. Still, it's worth asking: will the years you've worked abroad actually count toward your retirement?

Germany

Germany approves record minimum wage increase for 2026

The Merz government signed off on the decision on 29 October 2025—an unexpected step given the country's deep economic troubles. Yet the independent commission that issued the recommendation argues that the increase should boost household spending and, in turn, support overall economic growth.

Temp jobs are falling worldwide: A new warning for the job market

Global economic instability is making companies more cautious. Temporary hiring is falling as businesses adjust to weaker demand. But is this slowdown only temporary—or the sign of a lasting trend? And what does it mean for expatriates?

Bulgaria

Bulgaria: Europe's new hotspot for expats

Thinking about where to relocate? The 2025-2026 expat trends highlight several emerging destinations, and Bulgaria is high on the list. Many expats now see it as one of the best places in Europe to begin a new chapter. Its growing popularity comes down to a few key advantages: a lower cost of living than most major expat hubs, a very competitive tax system, and a climate that easily rivals that of Mediterranean countries.

How to know if you've chosen the right company abroad

Evaluating company performance to help professionals build stronger careers—that's the idea behind a new initiative from Singapore's Ministry of Labor. Since October 14, employees can, in just three clicks, discover the best companies to work for when aiming to grow their careers. These aren't necessarily large corporations, but rather organizations that actively support professional development. This tool can be especially valuable for expats seeking to advance their international careers. So, what indicators should you look at to ensure you're choosing the right company?

Pay Transparency Directive: New rules for workers in Europe

The European Union's Pay Transparency Directive, passed on April 24, 2023, introduces strict new rules to tackle gender pay inequality. Employers must now make salary information public and close any unjustified gender pay gap above 5%.

United Arab Emirates

Retaining foreign talent: The new challenge for the United Arab Emirates

Attracting top talent from around the world is no longer enough. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has learned that to stay ahead and keep its global edge, it needs to do more than lure professionals with high salaries and career prospects. The real test now lies in getting them to stay. Retaining talent means offering something more profound—a sense of purpose, recognition, and belonging. That's the new challenge shaping the UAE's future.