Expat news
China
At the end of March 2022, Shanghai went under a stringent lockdown. Its 25 million citizens were then unaware of what they would endure for more than two months, even when the authorities announced that they had come to terms with the COVID pandemic. It was mostly the morale of the inhabitants that got affected. Among them were expats who were increasingly worried about their future in the cosmopolitan Chinese city. One year later, China is back on the international scene. Tourists are expected to flow in again. But will the expatriates come back to Shanghai? Many observers believe that the wound will be hard to heal.
Norway
In March, the Norwegian parliament approved a policy to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area. This will apply from Fall 2023. However, critics from within the higher education sector are protesting that it will damage the reputation of Norwegian universities and Norway's image as an egalitarian society.
China
Since Wednesday, March 15, China has officially reopened completely to the world. The country has indeed resumed issuing all types of visas, including tourist visas. This is a relief for the people concerned and for all prospective expats to China. It can be considered a strong signal sent by Beijing to the rest of the world, but should we expect a massive comeback of expats in China?
USA
Is the American dream getting more expensive? Well, the country recently announced a rise in fees for a couple of visas. They expect this measure to help them continue providing their services. But how is this rise going to affect immigration to the US and the country's attractiveness?
Work
Economies across Europe have been having a hard time due to labor shortages since 2022, and 2023 doesn't look better. Since last year, many of these countries have also embarked on immigration reforms to attract foreign talent. But the battle isn't over yet, as retaining these talents is another challenge. Here's an insight into their strategies.
Vietnam
As Vietnam continues to emerge as a key player in the global economy, the country is facing a significant challenge - a shortage of skilled labor and talent. With a rapidly growing economy and increasing demand for skilled workers across a range of industries, Vietnam is struggling to keep pace with the needs of its businesses. In this article, we will explore the causes of Vietnam's labor and talent shortages, the impact on the economy, and potential solutions for addressing this pressing issue.
Egypt
How can a country regain foreign investors' confidence? How can it boost its attractivity in the eyes of foreigners and its own citizens? The Egyptian government believes it has found the right formula. However, due to the successive crises that have hit the country, the Egyptian economy is in a critical situation. The country needs to find funds quickly to stabilize. In response, a new campaign aimed at investors has been designed precisely to replenish the country's treasury while reinforcing the country's image as a reliable economy.
Kuwait
On Wednesday, March 8, the Kuwait Public Manpower Authority announced that long-term expatriates would be eligible for residency renewal under certain conditions. While Kuwait seems to be relaxing its measures regarding long-term expatriates, this new measure doesn't apply to all expats. Still, it's a significant change for a country that has recently been in the news headlines for its job nationalization policy.
Work
The United Arab Emirates is still facing significant labor shortages despite its multiple strategies to fill in the gaps. In Dubai, the impacted public sector is opening its doors to international talent. But the Emirate doesn't want to limit itself to simply recruiting foreign workers. Behind this vast recruitment campaign is a broader project to attract more investors and foreign talent.
Russia
On Wednesday, March 15, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced a large-scale recruitment campaign for foreign computer scientists and other technology specialists. For successful candidates, there are promises of easier immigration procedures, a stay without a fixed end period, and the possibility of bringing one's whole family. Yet, behind this semblance of openness lies the reality that has caught up with Russia since it declared war on Ukraine. Here's an analysis of the situation.
Work
Choosing your expat country needs proper planning as it's not something that can be improvised. Whether you are going to study, work or start a business abroad, there are many criteria like professional opportunities, living environment, inclusiveness, salary levels, and taxes, amongst others, to consider before taking the leap. The 2023 edition of OECD's Indicators of Talent Attractiveness (ITA) focuses on countries' ability to attract expats. The degree of attractiveness varies according to the expatriate's status and requirements. Here's an insight into the key findings.
England
With the red carpet and plenty of attention deployed, foreign workers are welcome and highly expected in the United Kingdom. The British government is thus responding to the pressing demands of British employers facing an acute labor shortage. That comes as a surprise move as the UK, at the same time, seems to be tightening the rules for international students who want to study in the country. What should we understand of the British strategy?
USA
Today, the American dream looks more and more difficult to achieve. Foreign professionals looking to work in the US expose numerous obstacles that even businesses find hard to overcome. To keep their foreign workforce, some of them have opted for relocation, not of their offices but of their international employees. So how does this affect the US workforce?
Visas
Are Golden Visas living their last days in the European Union? Spain plans to restrict the conditions under which people can obtain a golden passport. Portugal and Ireland have already announced the end of their programs intended for wealthy foreign investors. Between the countries that are abolishing their Golden Visa programs and those that are pursuing it, let's take a look at this much controversial scheme.
Work
Canada is a dream destination for many prospective expats. Whether you're a worker or a student, the country is full of opportunities for those seeking to live and build a career there. In the face of acute labor shortages, the Canadian government is relentlessly pursuing its ambitious immigration program and plans to welcome some 500,000 new immigrants by 2025.
Everyday life
The United Arab Emirates looks like they are quickly achieving its goals! In the early months of the Covid pandemic, the country soon became an ideal destination for expatriates. But today, the communication campaign is coupled with long-term and ambitious changes to attract more foreigners. There are the new visas, the extension of the categories of eligible applicants for the Golden Visa, along with the relaxation of some rules regarding the consumption of alcohol, etc. The new measures confirm the trend.
Japan
Here's some good news for prospective expats. Japan is opening its doors to foreign talents. The country is currently faced with a critical situation, with an aging population and growing economic tensions. Supporting growth through immigration has thus become an urgent priority. To attract and, above all, retain foreign talents, Japan announced its intention to simplify immigration policies.
France
2023 is sure to bring its share of positive and negative changes. On the negative side, property taxes will continue to rise. But on the positive one, savings are picking up, thanks to the increase in the "Plan Épargne Logement (PEL)" or the "Livret A". The withholding tax scale has also been revised to take account of inflation. Property tax on main residence, previously paid by tenants and owners, has been suspended. Other arrangements are also planned for parents to help reduce their expenses and give them greater purchasing power.
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.
Tax
Postcard-perfect beaches, luxury villas, sports cars and a jet-set lifestyle: social media often paints expat influencers and content creators as financially free and permanently on vacation. Behind the filters and sponsored posts, however, lies a much more complex reality. As more freelancers, influencers and digital creators move abroad to optimize their lifestyle and income, tax authorities around the world are increasing their scrutiny. So how can content creators relocate overseas legally, optimize their taxes, and avoid crossing the line into tax evasion?
Tax
Living in a country without paying taxes: a dream for many expats who choose their destination specifically based on its tax policies. But does a truly "zero tax" country for foreigners actually exist? And what hidden financial risks should you watch out for?
Transport
"Once this war is over, fuel prices will collapse," Donald Trump declared. The U.S. president believes he has "very good chances" of reaching a deal with Iran, while also stating he is prepared to take military action if talks fail. In the meantime, prices at the pump continue to break records worldwide, with variations from country to country. How are expats coping with this situation? How are they managing their daily commutes and travel? The 大咖福利影院 community shares its experiences.
Banks and finance
Online banks and neobanks market themselves as the perfect solution for expats: open an account in a few clicks, fully digital, accessible from anywhere… at least in theory. What are the real advantages and limitations of these banking options? And what should expats watch out for?
Everyday life
For decades, the traditional idea of retirement was simple enough. You work until a certain age, then stop. The assumption was that a workplace pension, a state pension, or a private pension, and perhaps a little nest egg, would provide sufficient income to enjoy a good quality of life. However, for some, the new retirement reality is much more complex.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"