Features
Work
Switzerland is and remains an attractive destination for expatriates from around the world. In fact, the pandemic almost helped the country retain its notoriety, especially among the international talent who is keener on moving there.
Schools & studies
The Covid-19 crisis has impacted businesses, economies, and students who were planning their studies abroad. Some countries have marked a decrease in the number of international students this year, and one of the key factors was related to the pandemic consequences, due to closing borders, inflation, cancellation of scholarships, and, currently, the war.
Accommodation
Real estate prices in Canada have reached all-time highs due to Covid, inflation, the real estate bubble, etc. For the government, facing one more crisis is not an option. Prime Minister Trudeau recently introduced restrictions for wealthy expatriates to end real estate speculation.
Tax
Moving abroad is an exciting but also a long journey. Expats have to research carefully and prepare for their financial responsibilities abroad and, in some cases, for tax returns in their home countries, as happens with Americans and French expatriates.
Everyday life
Expatriates are often not considered in regional elections and cannot express their views regarding local policies and initiatives in their host city and country. In Brussels, many of them cannot participate in elections and local political life, mostly because they do not have Belgian nationality.
Work
International conventions guarantee all expatriate workers the same rights. In reality, however, there are expatriates and others. In fact, white-collar workers have greater protection than blue-collar workers in sectors that are under pressure. The image itself is totally different. In the collective unconscious, the image of a temporary foreign worker seems far from being the common "expat" reference. They are often granted less consideration and protection and are exposed to more difficulties. What does international law say in this regard? How are countries ensuring the protection of temporary expatriate workers?
Everyday life
Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that attracts more and more people who are looking for an escape from their monotonous routines. This trend is especially popular with bloggers and other content creators, social media influencers, etc., and inspires many to dream of such a lifestyle. Have you ever wondered how to offer yourself travel and freedom of movement while earning your living? For the past few years, the rise of remote work and the democratization of digital technology have boosted the number of digital nomads around the world. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Everyday life
Throughout history in different parts of the world, the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another, has been part of the culture and search for power. Expats who have been victims of some sort of discrimination shared their feelings with us.
Canada is with no doubt a top expat destination. However, it is a direct competitor to other destinations such as Switzerland, which ranks first in the latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey. Australia and New Zealand come in second and third, while Canada ranks 13th. Besides, according to a recent study by the Institute of Canadian Citizenship, 30% of newcomers to Canada plan to leave within two years. Does this mean that Canada no longer retains expats?
Everyday life
In 2020, the pandemic took everyone by surprise. Scientists and doctors put efforts together to find a vaccine. This became a global priority. Vaccination campaigns started as soon as the first vaccines were developed. At that time, countries focused on progressive vaccination, starting with the elderly and those at risk, but populations were in a hurry to get vaccinated. Two years later, things have changed. Vaccination against Covid targets new groups.
Finland
Is Finland about to become another top expat destination? The country is making efforts to gain popularity internationally. As soon as it reopened its borders in 2021, this small country has been competing with giants like the United States, Canada, Switzerland, etc. Why is the country so keen on attracting global talent, and what are the benefits of moving there?
Everyday life
Fuel shortage is having drastic consequences in Sri Lanka. At petrol pumps, waiting lines are getting longer. People are gathering in the street, and peaceful demonstrations call for President Rajapaksa's departure. Sri Lanka can no longer afford fuel and is facing the worst economic crisis since independence.
Everyday life
Amidst the war's consequences on the Russian economy, some expats had quietly left the country. Businesspeople, academics, and students who stayed rethink their stay after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and others take advantage of the country's labor shortage to stay as the war has barely impacted Moscow.
Everyday life
Travel and moving abroad plans are back on track as summer approaches in many countries. However, health restrictions seem to be a heavyweight in the balance for many. While some have delayed their travel plans until better days, others simply gave up. Why would they move to a country with so many restrictions when their home country lifted its restrictions?
Banks and finance
World Bank Bilateral Remittances Matrix has continuously placed the UK as the fourth largest remittance sender in the world. The latter source lists India, Nigeria, and Pakistan as the main destinations of remittances from the UK. In addition, according to a report from the United Nations' education agency, migrant workers in the UK, many in low-paid jobs, are sending £8bn a year to support families in their home countries, a transfer known as a remittance.
Banks and finance
The US is one of the countries with more immigrants in the world. It is actually on the list of the top 10 Countries with the highest number of immigrants — 50.6 million. And Americans are also expats, according to the Association of American Residents Overseas, 8.7 million Americans (excluding military) live in 160-plus countries. Every migrant chooses to leave home for different reasons, but many do to contribute to their families and communities in their country of origin by sending money home, a transfer known as a remittance.
Everyday life
On March 16, at 11:36 p.m. local time, tremors of a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale were recorded in Japan. The epicentre was 60km deep, under the Pacific Ocean, off the province of Fukushima. A tsunami alert was immediately given, bringing back the painful memory of the 2011 events with a death toll of 18,500.
Hong Kong
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong has introduced strict entry conditions like a three-week quarantine on arrival in huge quarantine centers and hotels requisitioned by the authorities. Meanwhile, residents are finding their living conditions even tougher living conditions, being isolated since a fifth wave hit the city. According to EU representative Thomas Gnocchi, 10% of Europeans have already left Hong Kong last February, and figures have been rising ever since.
Other Types
France
This quiet reform barely made a ripple in France's political debates, yet it slipped through largely unnoticed and will tighten the rules for those who combine work and retirement.
France
A decree published on April 25 in the Official Gazette updates the rules allowing foreign workers to apply for the European Card or register on the "list of jobseekers."
France
E-invoicing (and e-reporting) was previously voluntary. From September 1, 2026, it will become mandatory for businesses to issue and receive electronic invoices. So who exactly is affected?
United Arab Emirates
The UAE's Golden Visa program has been updated. The reform, focused on simplification, aims to further cement the United Arab Emirates' position as a top destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
Formalities
A new fee for expats. Quietly slipped into the 2026 Finance Act, this measure has very real consequences for foreign drivers in their everyday lives. Starting May 12, exchanging a driver's license will no longer be free.
United Arab Emirates
The emirate of Dubai is rolling out a new strategy to keep attracting wealthy expats. A minimum investment is no longer required to qualify for a two-year residency visa.
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