The current global crisis has profoundly transformed the travel industry in recent months. With border closures and travel restrictions, many expats-to-be had no other choice than postponing their travel plans. Still, some of them are reviewing their plans, defining their new priorities.
New formalities
Entry formalities for foreign nationals now vary from country to country. In most of them, a negative PCR test carried out between 48 and 72 hours before arrival is essential. Many countries have also introduced a 10 to 14 days quarantine that is mandatory for all travellers. However, not everyone is willing to be quarantined for so long before they can actually start a new life abroad. For example, Victor, from France, is looking to relocate to Mauritius. "With vaccination campaigns spreading across Europe, is there a change planned in the entry policy of Mauritius for people who have been vaccinated? Is there any way to avoid quarantine or do we have to wait until Mauritians are vaccinated too? "
Health
According to a report published by Ipsos MRBI and Allianz Care, in July 2020, 62% of respondents had to postpone their travel plans. Of these, more than 53% said their priorities had changed since the start of the crisis. Today, health and well-being are now among the main concerns of 48% of expats-to-be, even more than before the crisis. And most of them are seeking answers to questions such as: What's the procedure to follow in case of COVID-19 infection? Will I have access to the local health system? Will I be covered by my health insurance?, etc.
Remote work
Irene is a young Californian who is planning her move to China where she has just got a language teaching job. She will be living in Xian for a year before travelling Southeast Asia as a digital nomad. "My plans haven't really changed. Still, I need to know, whether I will actually be able to do this, with the constantly changing visas and entry requirements", she says. In the meantime, she is waiting to be vaccinated, and for borders to reopen between the two countries. Florian, who is from France, wants to relocate to Spain. His priority is to know whether he can continue to work remotely for his current employer. "Can I keep my French contract while living in Spain? Should we make a new contract under Spanish law or simply amend my current contract?". Many like Florian are considering remote work during the crisis so that they don't have to look for another job in case things go wrong.
Find a job
Many expats move abroad for better career prospects. But with the global health crisis, resulting in a rising unemployment rate worldwide, finding a job abroad almost sounds like mission impossible. What are the most in-demand skills currently? Which countries are recruiting amidst the crisis? What other qualities do you need to stand out in a crumbling labour market? What types of contracts are currently on offer? You will mostly come across expats-to-be asking these questions on online forums and social networks as many are having to reinvent themselves.
What's the cost of living?
The crisis has obviously led to a rise in the cost of living in several countries and cities that used to be affordable for expats. According to the latest cost of living survey by ECA International, several European cities have moved up in the ranking of the world's most expensive cities, mainly due to the strength of the euro against other foreign currencies. This is one of Emilie’s concern. She is hoping to who move from France to Portugal by April. "I'll make a scouting trip first, many for 2 or 3 months, to have a better idea of the cost of living and property prices", she says. She has already spotted a couple of property ads in the north of the country, but she can't wait to be there to see it on her own.
What about social life?
Moving abroad also means exploring a new country, learning more about its culture, but also meeting new people. In the COVID-19 era, with health restrictions in place in most countries and an extended lockdown in some of them, it is virtually impossible to get out and see people. Patrick is waiting for the situation to improve before relocating to Germany. “I have been planning this trip for several months, but with the new surge and the extended lockdown, I don't see what I can do about it. Bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas are also closed. I'm definitely not ready to spend days and nights locked down in my apartment".
Article translated from Quelles sont les priorités des futurs expats en 2021 ?
