Expat news
Everyday life
According to a Quartz article published on June 13, 2022, Hong Kong is struggling to maintain its appeal as an international finance hub. Faced with an expat exodus, the government is considering new ways to attract and retain global talent.
Visas
CIC News, a leading website on immigration to Canada, reports that the country's new Super Visa for the parents and grandparents of permanent residents has come into effect on 4 July 2022. This new visa has increased the length of stay of parents and grandparents from two consecutive years to five, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two years, bringing the maximum length of stay to 7 years.
Visas
Australia is a trendy expat destination considered one of the best places to live because of its high standard of living. Currently, the country faces a labor shortage as its skills crisis is worsening, with businesses struggling to fill nearly half a million jobs amid a mismatch between people's expertise and the work available. With that, the country is looking for work migration, and it's easing some Australian visa classes.
Work
There are approximately 4.76 thousand international migrants living in Vietnam. The country has become increasingly popular as an expat destination in recent years, and it is recognized as a safe place for foreigners to live and work. However, the local Labour department has tightened the required explanation of enterprises for employing expats, to focus on national labor, according to lawyer specialists.
Everyday life
According to Radio New Zealand, as of late June 2022, the number of residency visa applications to live in the island nation has surpassed government forecasts by over 50,000. Over 200,000 migrants and expats currently residing in New Zealand want to obtain the one-off permit to stay indefinitely. So why is the Land of the Long White Cloud, as the Maori toponym goes, so popular among expats?
Schools & studies
Staff shortages, combined with budgetary cuts, have even directly affected the smooth running of immigration procedures at the Department of Home Affairs. There is currently a backlog of over 15,000 visas, including international student visas for those who want to move to Australia to study.
Visas
Although it might sound like an ambitious promise, Indonesia proposes a remote working visa for freelancers across the globe with no taxes for five years, and that would apply to its islands as Bali. Also known as the “Land of the Gods”, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty, and it's usually a place for tourism and celebrations such as honeymoons. But how about working remotely from there?
Everyday life
The European Commission's "Green New Deal" is at stake as countries switch back to the use of fossil fuels, such as coal, the world's most polluting source of energy. NGOs, already disappointed with COP26, are even more worried as countries blame it on the war in Ukraine, energy transition, economic crisis, etc. But is it the only solution?
Cost of living
Mercer published its annual expats' cost of living report last week. The 2022 edition was particularly anticipated since the Covid pandemic plunged the global economy into uncertainty. Added to that are rising inflation, the oil crisis, the war in Ukraine and political instability. So, where should expats move, and how should they consider their next destination?
Visas
Unlike other European countries that recently reviewed their controversial golden visa programs, Portugal stands firm. Severely affected by the pandemic, followed by the economic crisis, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation (8% last month), the Portuguese economy heavily relies on foreign investment. This is probably why the government refuses to end its golden visa program despite warnings.
Schools & studies
The latest update for international students in the United Kingdom is raising concerns. The British High Commission is extending the processing time for international student visas to 5 weeks. At the same time, the government is introducing a new global talent visa. So what does this mean for international students?
Visas
Since June 10, Japan has reopened its borders to tourist groups. For the moment, the government doesn't want to take any risks, considering the rising number of Covid cases abroad. Its latest measure was making visas compulsory for travelers from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), even for short stays. So it seems that the total reopening, which should include expats, will not be anytime soon.
Everyday life
As the summer season approaches, countries around the world are dropping their Covid restrictions. Despite warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), many countries no longer require proof of Covid vaccination for international travelers and expats.
Everyday life
On May 24, the Quebec National Assembly adopted a new law promoting French as Quebec's official and common language. This quite controversial law has caused upheavals within the expat community and associations defending the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Everyday life
Like most countries, Indonesia is also looking to the post-Covid era. To boost its economy and its attractiveness, the government is introducing new measures to relaunch tourism and attract expats and digital nomads, considering the upcoming summer.
Tax
Expats in Mexico should expect a major change. Determined to fight against tax fraud, the Mexican government introduced a reform in its tax system. From July 1, all foreigners over the age of 18 living in Mexico will need to have a tax number, whether they are permanent residents or not, and whether they earn their income in Mexico or not.
Visas
Last Wednesday, the Portuguese government launched a new visa for job seekers. This is one of Portugal's latest measures to attract foreign workers as the Portuguese labor market gradually recovers from the consequences of Covid. However, rising inflation (more than 8%) and labor shortage remain major issues.
Tax
Last January, the Belgian government introduced two new tax regimes, some of which are expected to affect expatriates. On May 6, a long circular was issued, providing details on these two regimes. This reform was initially supposed to be simple, ending some types of tax benefits and supporting low-income families. How does this affect expats?
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.
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