Features
Schools & studies
In a climate of uncertainty and change, university students worldwide are adapting or struggling to adjust to the new educational landscape. International students are particularly prone to the unprecedented challenges brought on by Covid-19, such as isolation, online learning, and anxiety. Some students have seen their academic performance deteriorate while others are dealing with additional stress due to financial insecurity, visa hardships, career unpredictability, and lack of support network.
Formalities
Travel and population exchange has proved to be one of the pandemic's closest friends. Hence, since the outbreak, limiting international and local travel has been a top priority among governments worldwide. Expats and expats-to-be have seen their plans changing quickly; many have lost international job placements, and others have waited for months to reunite with their families or return to their home country.
Work
After the Covid-19 labour market changes, expatriate and mobile employability will never look the same. The pandemic has shaped the labour market of tomorrow in so many ways — from how we communicate with our colleagues and where we work from to job losses among low-skilled workers, child-carers (mostly mothers), and the youth.
Formalities
As countries around the world face a new surge of COVID-19, many of them have tightened their travel restrictions in recent weeks, making a negative PCR test mandatory fr all travellers. Here's a roundup of countries where you need to get tested before or after your arrival.
Everyday life
Settling in South America can be daunting if you can't figure out where to start. From shipping some essential stuff you might need to finding a local market and grocery shop, here are tips from Jerry Nelson, an American expat who lives in Buenos Aires.
Moving
The Internet and specialised expat guides definitely help in planning an international relocation. Still, having personalised tips can go a long way. Our guest blogger, Jerry Nelson, asked a couple of long term travellers.
Work
The global health crisis had a significant impact on the global labour market, leading to a sharp rise in the unemployment rate. If you're looking for a job as an expat or you're looking to recruit, here is what foreign professionals bring to a business.
Work
Is a person ever too old to become a writer? Or an expat? For Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger from Argentina, the answer to both is no. You're never too old to become a writer and certainly not too old to be an expat.
Leisure
Movies can cheer you up if you're having a hard time away from your loved once during this festive season. Unable to go shopping or dine out as you would have wished to? No problem. Jerry Nelson, our expat guest blogger, has selected some of the best expat movies to cheer you up.
Everyday life
Less than a month before Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, many countries are still locked down. Some governments are planning to ease a couple of restrictions in the coming weeks, but they are likely to play it safe. Amid the global health crisis, what are Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations going to look like?
Health system
Nearly a year after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, a new vaccine was found with 95% efficacy. Developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, this vaccine should be available around the world from January 2021. Another vaccine, having the same rate of efficacy, has been developed simultaneously in Russia. Does this mean that travel and immigration can resume once people have been vaccinated?
Leisure
Thanksgiving is celebrated this Thursday 26th of November in the United States. This celebration kickstarts the end of year celebrations in this country. And soon the world with follow with Christmas and end of year gatherings, albeit online because of the pandemic. Here are a few tips for planning your online parties.
Israel
In the latest cost-of-living report by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Tel Aviv is now the world's 5th most expensive city. While the Israeli capital ranks behind Zurich, Paris, Hong Kong and Singapore, it is ahead of other large cities such as Osaka, Geneva, New York, Copenhagen and Los Angeles. What does this mean for expats?
Everyday life
This year, the festive season is going to be different, with the global health crisis and restrictions all around the world. Many countries have already decided to cancel their major annual events so as to prevent risks of contagion. As some of them went back into lockdown during the past few weeks, there won't be the usual crowds. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate Christmas and the New Year's Eve amidst the crisis.
Work
Malaysia is planning to reduce its foreign workforce in order to promote employment for Malaysians. Its approach is similar to that of other top expat destinations, such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia, etc. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the opportunity to boost their economy by enhancing their image in the eyes of foreigners. What does this mean for foreign professionals who are looking to a career change overseas?
Formalities
Are you moving abroad with small children and wonder what in the world you were thinking? When you land you will immediately begin dealing with consumer concerns, and then the unpacking and organizing. You are doing all of this while taking care of young people who depend on you for nearly everything. Moving within your own country is a challenge, but moving to a foreign country brings about a significant change that can sometimes seem insurmountable. What can you do to preserve your own health and sanity? Stay calm, Mom or Dad, we have tips for you.
Visas
One of the world's most attractive expat destinations, not only for its economic prosperity and cultural heritage but also for its beautiful landscapes, Australia is set to become the new Eldorado for expatriates. With some 27,698 positive cases and fewer than 1,000 COVID-19-related deaths, the country chose to keep its borders closed until 2021, with a few exceptions. Australia is now looking to increase the number of places granted under its various immigration programs.
Everyday life
Whether you're a foodie or not, you're probably keen on getting a taste of Argentina's cuisine during your stay. Jerry Nelson, an American expat in Buenos Aires, tells you about some of the strangest dishes you might come across, based on his experience.
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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