Expat Focus

UAE to Set Cultural Tests for Expats

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:01:30 GMT

What is the country's official religion? What does the country's flag look like? These are two examples of the kinds of questions expats will soon have to answer as part of a new cultural test in the United Arab Emirates. The new test is to be administered to expats applying for residency in the UAE as a way of testing their knowledge of local culture and traditions, local media reported... More (The Media Line)

Book Review: Expatriate’s notes from England are witty, but repetitious

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:28:40 GMT

“Postcards from Across the Pond” is a collection of 64 Internet posts by Michael Harling, an American living in Horsham, West Sussex, England. A native of Columbia County, he lived in Clifton Park for 25 years and was employed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services... More (dailygazette.com)

Tokyo most expensive city for expats: London ranked 16th

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:25:02 GMT

The collapse in sterling and a decline in property rental values driven by the recession have sent London tumbling down the list of the world’s most expensive cities for expatriates. London was ranked third out of 143 cities worldwide last year in a cost-of-living list compiled by Mercer, the consultancy — but this year it has plunged to sixteenth place... More (Times Online)

Expats' paradise lost in New Zealand's jobs crisis

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:38:49 GMT

Only a few weeks ago, New Zealand was identified as the best place for British expats to make a fresh start. It didn't take long for the accolade to wear thin. The dreams of hundreds who left for a better life on the other side of the world are now turning into nightmares... More (MailOnline)

Dubai Expat Exodus Hots Up As Boom Yrs End,Econ Suffers

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:29:11 GMT

British entrepreneur Simon Ford came to Dubai in 2004 with ambitious goals, setting up a gift experience business called "Blue Banana" aimed at the throngs of expatriates flocking to the Persian Gulf boomtown. But boom turned to bust and with an exodus of "white collar" foreigners losing their jobs and leaving the emirate, Ford's Dubai dream ended... More (WSJ.com)

Preparing to move abroad: Finances

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:07:12 GMT

Living abroad is not just for the rich and retired anymore. More and more students and families are living the expat life. Average American families who you might find living in a small house in an older neighborhood; recent graduates of graduate school, children, and living on little more than a teacher's salary while student loans loom over their heads are taking jobs wherever they can get them... More (examiner.com)

Expats in Asia best paid, but U.S. and UK-based suffer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:09:35 GMT

Want the good life despite the dire economy? Head east, according to a survey showing some of the world's highest-paid expatriates live in Asia and the Middle East. A third of all expats in Russia -- the highest proportion in the world -- earn more than $250,000 a year, followed closely by expats in Japan and Qatar... More (Reuters)

Govt to tax Australian expat wages

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:21:30 GMT

The Australian Government is facing another fight over tax changes in its Budget - this time over rules affecting expatriate workers. Expats on contracts of two years or less are exempt from paying Australian tax while overseas. But the Treasury says that means that thousands of highly paid workers pay little or no tax, and it wants to tighten up the rules. Employers say the changes will make it more expensive to send local workers offshore. A Senate committee has called for changes to the new rules... More (Radio Australia)

Running away from loans

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:06 GMT

From the Personal Finance forum: "Have just read the thread UK debt when living abroad amongst others and I am absolutely disgusted and appalled that people do this and get away with it. They go on a spending spree, accumulate debts they cant afford to pay back and then buggar off abroad hiding from their creditors. This has got to be on a par with the benefit fraudsters or worse. Dont these people have any shame? It is effectively stealing..." More (Expat Focus Personal Finance forum)

Britain’s Got No Talent: Half of U.K. Expats May Exit

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:46:33 GMT

Almost half of U.K.-based foreign professionals are considering leaving as they endure rising living expenses and the recession, more than in any other country, a survey by HSBC Holdings Plc showed... More (Bloomberg)