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Is it the right time to become an expat?

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Written byMagdalena Grdanoskaon 01 September 2021

Moving today, in times of a pandemic, seems like a risky idea bringing doubts even to the most eager of expats. While sometimes it is better to stay or return home, in some cases moving abroad now is an important decision that can lead to better and safer living conditions. Here are some common reasons to decide to move abroad now.

Study abroad

You are a student, and you have the time and freedom to choose your next destination. Although it is an uncertain time when it comes to studying abroad, if you have the opportunity, you should take action. Exploring the world is best done when you're in your 20s as you don't have the restraints of time and work. If your country currently doesn't provide better opportunities, you should always consider your options.

You seek a country with better medical conditions

We have understood in these times that medical conditions can be crucial. Sadly many countries do not have the capacity to deal with the amount of Covid-19 patients as well as other treatments. Living with a family or in need of special medical care means seeking the best opportunities you can find. Inform yourself about the conditions in other countries and whether they will offer you a safer environment and better medical assistance. 

You seek a country with different regulations

In the last two years, many people have lost their trust in the competence of their governments and their abilities to handle a crisis. Some believe that restrictions should be more constant, while others seek a more loose approach. Whatever you believe is the best solution for you may lead you to move to a new place. Gather all the information about the laws in your new country so you can be prepared for the living conditions it offers.

Invest overseas

You want to invest, and the prices in your country or city are too high. On the other hand, you may like to invest in a location different from the one you live in. Given that you have the resources, now is the best time to do it as the prices might go higher in the future. Be careful, however, of scammers and read all the housing regulations of the country that you want to invest in. 

Reunite with your loved ones

Your loved ones are away, and you have spent most of your time being far from them. Uncertain times mean not knowing when the borders are going to be closed or when there will be quarantine for visitors. It is already difficult to be apart, but being away during a pandemic is something that should be avoided. On the other hand, travelling to visit your family can actually put them at risk, and therefore it is much smarter to make a decision to stay together. 

Climate change

Climate change is a very common topic today as the temperatures continue to rise and living conditions in some places become almost unbearable in the summer months. Additionally, you may feel like you'd like to contribute to the planet in a different way, but your country lacks the regulations for achieving a clean environment. As alarmingly, the conditions of our planet are changing at a fast pace, it is important to make decisions that will reduce our footprint. That means minimizing waste and reducing constant travelling, two conditions that might motivate you to move to another place. 

You need space

Unlike being in your 20s and wanting to live in the centre of a big city you prefer the countryside. The pandemic was a driving force that motivated many people to move to the countryside. There are many benefits to that decision. For example, the prices are lower, the spaces are bigger, the risk of contagion is lower, and life is simpler. Many people who plan a family or just enjoy a calmer life may prefer to move to a country that offers them greenery and more laid back living conditions. 

New opportunities

Your business was affected during the lockdowns, and you would like to start it over in a place with easier working conditions. That might be a country with lower rent prices or a place where your business can be more local and fruitful than in your country. Taxes can be another important reason why you should consider changing a location to keep your business going. You might want to move in order to cut the distribution costs or to avoid the constant changes in regulations. If you have done your research about the possibilities and risks in the country you would like to transfer your business to, it is much better to relocate it to a safer location. 

If you have a serious reason to move, make sure that you are safe in that situation. Avoid possible big crowds while moving, or choose a transport that is less crowded. Do not forget to keep yourself active and healthy and prepare yourself for the new living conditions. If you are precautious, your new location can make you thrive and boost your opportunities now better than ever before. 

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About

Magdalena is a 28 year old journalist from Macedonia. She studies corporate communications in Italy, where she lived for six years. Among her interests are the social and psychological issues of the expats.

Comments

  • cvco
    cvco3 years ago(Modified)

    I dont wish to be negative but I think covid and tightening of borders will torture expats for the rest of time. Financial restrictions, covid restrictions, push by countries to keep riff-raff out will reduce the choices to maybe a deserted island. Even without covid things were getting tighter and covid pushed ideas and plans off the cliff. I also think expats will find fewer chances to be transferred to a foreign country by an existing employer. Covid-work-economics have drastically changed how people work, with more people than ever working from home, as well as sellers of goods leaving physical shops behind to sell online. YES, the items in the article are great ideas but except for some chosen few, accessing the ideas will prove fruitless. Its easy to believe things will return to normal in a few months but this will never happen. Countries are also adjusting to a life with fewer tourists and seek alternative sources of income. Maybe countries will start producing more goods for export which also fills in gaps created by factory closures in China. Such moves might create opportunities for expats, Im not sure. Because there was no rapid return to normal, people are re-adjusting life to accommodate covid and thats among the ways changes become permanent. Having said this, its also possible new previously undesirable countries could open up like Argentina, Chile and some african countries. There is a major problem people are not addressing at all, that being future pandemics that are surely coming. Expats, venturing out when things open up could very easily find themselves right back in this mess in 2-3 years time. Then what? Countries are pros now in rapid lockdowns and will use them if anyone just COUGHS. So people should be extremely careful in plans they make including plenty of Plan Bs, like how to get out fast, return to life in their home countries for rapid restarts, etc. Being light on ones feet will be the necessary skill.