Features
Everyday life
If you've lived abroad long enough, you definitely have a few funny (or maybe even not so funny and totally awkward) stories of misinterpretation of certain nonverbal cues. Indeed, body language and gestures are not perceived in the same way across the world. In some cultures, making eye contact is considered a sign of confidence and shows that one is engaged and interested in the conversation while in others, it is downright impolite. So let's try to decipher body language across cultures, shall we?
Argentina
Jerry Nelson is an American expat writing his way through life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This week, he tells us a little about the challenges he has faced as an expat and how he has dealt with them. Transport, shopping, language... Argentinian punctuality (or lack thereof!). Here are his keys to living a stress-free expat life!
Denmark
An Oxford research group looked into what makes Denmark such an amazing country for expats. The happiest country on Earth attracts expats from all over the world. While 50% of them come from European countries, 34% come from Asia, North America, Oceania, etc., and the rest from other Nordic countries. If you've always wanted to discover the legendary “hygge” and are looking to relocate to Denmark after the COVID-19 crisis, here's what you should expect.
Everyday life
The situation in America is more than alarming, with more than 4.3 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 150,000 deaths in the USA, followed by Brazil with more than 2.4 million cases and over 87,000 deaths. Citizens of these two countries are currently banned from entering many countries, especially in the European Union. This is a major concern for expatriates living there while governments are advising them to return at the soonest. Some expats in the USA and Brazil share their views about the crisis and talk to us about their new routine.
Shanaaz arrived in Dubai in February. The young graphic designer who is originally from Pune in India had decided to look for a job in the United Arab Emirates. She was in search of an international experience and better quality of life. Unfortunately, five months and a global pandemic later, Shanaaz is planning to board one of the repatriation flights back to her home country.
Everyday life
After four days of negotiations, EU leaders have reached an agreement on how $ 869 billion package will be spent amongst member countries. The summit was the first following the COVID-19 pandemic and its aim was to decide on how the fund would be used to help member states counter the effects of the health and economic crisis. Grants and low interest loans will be available to countries most hit by the pandemic.
Visas
While many countries are playing it safe regarding their border closures, others are currently introducing new visas to attract visitors and expats, skilled professionals in particular. The United Kingdom has just announced a new visa for healthcare professionals from August 2020. Canada is also coming up with a new bill along the same lines.
Everyday life
Long before Nia Vardalos starred as a girl who created a stir within her traditional Greek family, in the 2002 hit comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, romances have blossomed across international borders. Intercultural relationships can be enchanting as two people, brought up in a different set of cultural beliefs, learn to navigate the romantic minefield… Often, though, people assume everything will be great — just as long as two people are happy together. The truth can be different.
Even with the Internet, the world is still a mixing bowl and culture shock and cultural clashes still happen. It's more than just language barriers, ideology, and social norms which cause challenges. Even with all of that in the mix, it's still possible to make it work.
Visas
While many countries have chosen to keep their borders until further notice, rejecting all new visa applications, some, like Australia and Canada, are taking a different approach. In fact, Australia has just announced a series of changes regarding student visa applications while Canada is still accepting visa applications in specific categories amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Find out more.
Work
For the next two weeks, the UAE's borders will be exceptionally opened to Indian expats. Indeed, an agreement has been reached between the two countries to allow Indian expats currently in India to return to their host country and Indians stranded in the UAE to return home.
Everyday life
South Africa, Melbourne and several cities across the world are going back into lockdown. At the same time, other countries are reopening their borders. Here's an update on the pandemic situation across the world…
Cost of living
While the health crisis and the subsequent economic crisis have caused prices across the world to rise, different countries have found different ways to deal with this phenomenon. In Abu Dhabi, for example, authorities are investing massively in the agro-industry to boost local food production. Sweden and the Netherlands have also been the least affected by the rise in prices while in Saudi Arabia, the VAT has been increased to 15%.
Everyday life
For family and friends left behind, an expat's life can seem glamorous and daring. The kind of life they wished they could enjoy if they weren't stuck in the 9 to 5 routine. There are benefits to being an expat, but the reality does not always meet the perception. Jerry Nelson, an American expat in Buenos Aires tells us why.
Everyday life
Last week, Thailand's Cabinet approved a draft bill aiming at recognising same-sex civil partnerships. If this bill is passed into law, Thailand would be the second country in Asia to back same-sex unions after Taiwan. Russia, for its part, publicly announced the prohibition of same-sex marriages. But how does it feel to be a same-sex couple abroad? Al, an American expat in Brazil, talks to 大咖福利影院 about LGBT rights and his everyday life in his host country.
Moving
Moving back home is as a complex step as that of moving abroad, particularly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, according to a survey by 大咖福利影院 and April International, 38% of expats intend to return to their home country once the global health crisis comes to an end. What's their motivation for doing so, and how are they planning to do so? Here are some tips for a smooth repatriation.
Accommodation
The coronavirus pandemic gave rise to a housing crisis in many countries around the world. Being unable to pay their rent, thousands of families are at risk of becoming homeless. Tenants have been granted a moratorium for the payment of rent in some countries, but with the current economic downturn resulting in a job crisis and salary cuts, things are getting worse. Even the United Nations recommends that governments implement strategies to protect tenant rights. Let's take a look at some of the favourite expat destinations.
Leisure
Residents of the United Arab Emirates will not be able to leave the territory until the end of the pandemic. And everywhere around the world, we will be called to spend the holidays in our country of residence. So how do we enjoy our time off when we cannot travel due to the crisis? Here are our tips.
USA
Foreign students whose university classes have moved fully online will see their visas repealed and will be asked to leave the United States as early as this September this year. A decision judged unfair by many.
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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