How expats priorities have changed with the crisis

 voyageJoshua Woroniecki / Pixabay

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 ?

About Veedushi

Editorial Assistant/Content Writer at Expat.com. I have a deep interest for foreign cultures and traditions and looking to hear about your experiences abroad.

No child car seat? No fines for now, says DOTr and LTO

 

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation (LTO) is now joining forces with Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and the private sector in coming up with an effective information, education, and communications (IEC) campaign with regards to the Republic Act 11229 or Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. This was posted by Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Goddes Hope Libiran in her Facebook page yesterday, February 2. This law states that children under 12 years old or below 4’11” in height are not allowed to sit in front, unattended by any guardian, and are required to use the Child Restraint System (CRS).

DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade and LTO assistant secretary Edgar Galvante also both announced that there will be no fines despite RA 11229 being implemented yesterday, February 2. Instead, concerned agencies are working together so that everyone, especially children, parents, guardians, teachers, and law enforcers, will completely comprehend what this law is required of everyone. There will also be no apprehensions while this campaign is ongoing.

“Remember that what we are doing is of good intentions, and it has passed the Congress and signed by the President last 2019. The goal of this law is to protect the children from car accidents. According to DOH last 2019, there are two children who die in Metro Manila daily due to road-related accidents,” the Libiran added.

“We seek the coopration and help of everyone so that we can reduce, to the barest minimum, the incidents where the children get into accidents,” Galvante said.

 

Child car seat is now a requirement, starts February 2

Photo courtesy of Freepik, shot by SenivPetro

 

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

In preparation for the implementation of the Republic Act 11229 or Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act in the Philippines, Buckle Up Kids PH hosted a virtual press conference last January 29, Friday. This is an effort to brief the parents on the law that is to be rolled out this February 2.

The virtual show consisted of guests such as Land Transformation Office (LTO) deputy director for law enforcement Roberto Valera, Engr. Louis Jhay Kimverly Palmes who is a Trade and Industry Development specialist from the Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Atty. Daphne Marcelo, a Policy Associate of ImagineLaw who served as the host and moderator. Regine Tolentino was also present as the road safety advocate, along with Atty. Mark Steven Pastor who is the assistant secretary for road transport and infrastructure of (DOTr), and Chiqui Liquicia from VeraFiles.

Children under 12 years old (and have a height of 4’11” below) fall under the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, which means that they should be buckled up in a child car seat and are not allowed to sit in front. They should always be accompanied by one of their parents or adult guardian.

Valera also announced that there will be an “initial phase” for motorists to get used to and complete all the requirements. “The enforcement is not just about apprehension. It involves information dissemination and warnings,” says Valera, adding that they will also be releasing printed materials about the law for further understanding and comprehension of this newly implemented law. “We will be on warning mode as well as information dissemination.”

The show also reminded the parents of the fines involved. Ranging from P1,000 to P5,000, and even suspension of driver’s license for one year if caught thrice or more. Manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers, and even sellers who sell substandard child seats—from P50,000 to P100,000.

LTO will also be requiring motorists to get LTO clearance for the child seats that they will be installing in their cars. This is to ensure that car seats are installed properly.

PAL reminds arriving passengers of revised quarantine protocols starting Feb. 1

by Richa Noriega, Manila Bulletin

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) reminded arriving passengers to observe the revised quarantine protocols in line with the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) starting Feb. 1.

((JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN))

The government has imposed conditions on some foreign nationals allowed entry into the country, including having valid and existing visas as well as COVID-19 testing at a quarantine facility on the sixth day from their date of arrival.

PAL urged the passengers to register on the Electronic Case Investigation Form (e-CIF) as early as three days before their flight to Manila.

The airline encouraged non-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to pre-book a hotel accredited by tourism and health agencies for a six-night accommodation.

Passengers are also advised to present their QR code, Affidavit of Undertaking, and the Traze App. In addition, the sign the declaration and waiver form indicating that they are healthy and fit to travel.

Upon the arrival, passengers must accomplish the health declaration form, arrival card, and Bureau of Customs (BoC) form.

On the sixth day of quarantine, the RT-PCR testing will be administered.

If the passenger tests positive, an assessment will be made by the quarantine officer to determine the appropriate next steps.

A passenger who tests negative may obtain the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) medical certificate via quarantinecertificate.com. by emailing the BoQ.

PAL said at any point from day of arrival until Day 5, passengers showing symptoms shall inform their hotel of their condition.

The hotel shall inform the health agency for assessment, medical management and testing.

Once the passengers are cleared, they may call up relatives or local government units (LGU) to pick them up or arrange their transportation.

OFWs may contact the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or their local manning agencies.

“Please complete your 14-day quarantine or self-isolation under the monitoring of your local government unit (LGU) or Barangay Health Emergency Response Team,” PAL added.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (II)

 

Chapter 2: Michiko and "Lola"

The doors of our plane opened. My buddy and I were at the very beginning, as we had always booked rows 1 A to B. The Filipino stewardess whispered: "A wonderful stay in the Philippines!" She did this with a smile that almost killed me. I would remember that smile for years. And yes, this smile and this memory would one day for my decision to immigrate to the Philippines forever. 1982 - but before that, a great deal would happen in the whole world for me.

As I said: the doors of our plane opened. While we walked down the aisle we realized what to expect. Highly armed soldiers stood meter by meter and accompanied us to the bus that was supposed to take us to an equally highly guarded hotel in Malate, Manila. Material law prevailed in the Philippines in 1976. Our stay in the office ended with a guarded breakfast and an equally guarded transfer to the airport for our flight to Tokyo.

But I just couldn't forget that Filipino smile... .

During that time, my grandmother resided in the Eastern Germany, the so-called Democratic Republic of Germany, although one might wonder where the democratic element would be here. I am not a fan of political conflicts. One will look for it here in this biography in vain.

I loved my grandmother like no one else in the world. Well, my wife is a very big exception! "Lola", born in 1899 (!) lived and survived  World War I and II. Since moving to West Berlin in 1974, I've had the opportunity to visit her much more often. Lola asked me: "Where exactly is Japan?" I asked her about her old school atlas, which she found in one of her closets after a long time. Lola was shocked when I showed her Japan.  I calmed her down.

About after five minutes she came back and gave me something.  It was a rosary. It's still with me up to now. "This is supposed to protect you on this big journey, and I know it would be your last big journey!" she said. 

Many trips followed, including to North Africa, Russia, and Jamaica. But more on that later. Our flight to Tokyo with Philippine Airlines was ready for boarding. And again, I captured the smile of the Philippine stewardess ... .

There are now three months family home stay ahead me. It has been organized by the International YMCA. I would stay in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as well as Hiroshima. The latter with very impressive feelings. And there was something more impressive. I should meet Michiko in Osaka.

(To be continued!)

LET'S ENTERTAIN OURSELVES!

 

Not a single day goes by without the capital "C". It makes us tired and sick - mentally and physically. Many give up and withdraw themselves in their loneliness. A legal solitude from "somewhere up there".

Many wonder whether it is good for our future, for the economy, for education, and for our personal life and its surroundings. Well, I don't want to swap with those up there ahd having to make the right decisions at the right time. You can already notice some things, people are becoming more and more aggressive, no matter where in the world.

Let's entertain ourselves! Quite simply and clearly expressed. Since my retirement but staying longer  in my home office, I've been trying to entertain myself. I enjoy writing more - writing was and still is one of my hobbies. I enjoy playing my different instruments. I ignored that for years.

I enjoy listening to music from my incredibly large record collection back to 1936. I put my photo album collection in the right order. Incidentally, this is a wonderful task, since I am currently working on my  biography.

Entertaining means to talk with my wife and family personally too, and not only by messenger. Playing with the dogs, gardening, watching the daily TV-mass, praying ... .

Yes, it's our new abnormality we have to live with. We must not get down. Trust in God. It's all in His hands.

Flowers, sweets, lunches, hotel overnight stays

While I was leaving through my calendar, I noticed that the month of January will soon be over. In the new normal abnormality, one day reappears like every year: it's time again for Valentine's Day. 

Do you know something about the legend of St. Valentine? The history of Valentine's Day – and the story of its patron saint – is indeed shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

From February 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. ... Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

Being married with a Filipina for almost 38 years now, Valentine's Day lets me always recall lovely moments from the past.

In a very old issue of PHILADELPHIA NEWS, which is still on my desk, columnist Larry Fields confessed: "I lead a life of wine, women and song (by the way, a wonderful waltz by the Austrian king of waltz Johann Strauss!) - it's cheaper than petrol, food and rent!"

Well, some marriages are made in heaven. You know some? I do. The best of the rest are down-to-earth. Maybe also yours? I am blessed and happy celebrating my  wedding anniversary in March.

Maybe you remember this: "Then the prince swept the lovely young maiden into his arms and carried her home to his castle. And they live happily ever after!" Indeed, they did.

What I would like to see is an autonomous in home affairs study of all these titles of nobility bearers seven years after their happily-ever-after marriages. or even earlier, because the so-called darned and tricky seventh marriage year could be even the first one already.

The truth is that life isn't made up of the continual highs found in the initial stages of courtship. Of course, flirting is fun and a wide groove exists. But after a while our system needs a rest. Unanimously we're in the second stage sooner or later and our marriage life needs badly a new outside coating.

All of a sudden, the partner prefers day and night watching all the sports channels, falls asleep while you're revealing your innermost secrets and even forgets the anniversary for the first or even second time . Just bear in mind: You've won each other's acceptance  and sometimes even feelings terribly gloomy. This acceptance shouldn't be undervalued.

Even when we see a house that has to be cleaned, many other things have to be organized, and the partner, who looks as fatigued and bored as you feel. Logical question: "That's it? That WAS it?"

And suddenly, we experienced the third stage and learned why it's worth the ups and downs. Maybe we men don't mention any more, how incredible she looks, but we enjoy bleating and grousing at her spending innumerable hours putting her together. But then, suddenly, we men are to unload the garbage without being asked for.

Although no marriage is continually blissful - it can be pretty good most of the time. When we last through arguments, money worries, and kid's problems or slowly but surely coming up mid-life crises, we should face reality that our relationship is not always a big day celebration.

It's because the fundamental  reason for a marriage has outlasted the craziness of day-to-day living: we love each other. That's MY idea of "Happily ever after, indeed!" And one thing more: in my opinion, Valentine's Day shouldn't be only on February 14. It doesn't matter if one is married or not.

THE DARK SIDE OF CELEBRITY:

How technology is raping PH entertainment

by Neil Ramos , Manila Bulletin

Pop quiz, hot shot: What do Ivana Alawi, Anne Curtis, Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo and Maine Mendoza have in common?

While most of us would answer simply they’re all celebrities, a growing segment of the population will mention them being among stars who have been embroiled in the now notorious “deepfakes” phenomenon.

If it sounds sinister, it’s because, well, it is.

Deepfakes are videos that use artificial intelligence called deep learning to swap images of people, usually celebs, with another.

Sounds far out? Well, Virginia…

Anyway, a lot of these videos are actually pornographic too and as such many women’s group are crying foul deeming it another “weapon” against them.

They have a point.

Imagine having your face super-imposed on someone doing some unholy act and displaying it to the world.

Embarrassing?

Degrading?

Bloodcurdling?

All of the above?

The most infuriating thing about it is we seemingly can’t do anything about it.

At least for now.

Sadly, in a world that has become more and more digitally-entrenched, the technology, as harmful as it is, looks very much like it is here to stay.

It might even be tweaked to the point that it will make reel vs. real more confusing than ever.

Believe it.

Deepfakes already made headlines around these parts several weeks back when Mendoza, her mom, as with her manager, trooped to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to complain about her image being used in these videos.

The NBI promised to look into the complaint.

The agency said the person or persons responsible for said videos could be hauled to court in violation of the Anti-Voyeurism Act, the Safe Spaces Act, as well as for cyber libel, unjust vexation, and identity theft.

So far, no suspects.

Indeed, as popular as Mendoza is, it seems that her complaint is not enough for the powers that be to actually crack the whip on the matter.

Abroad, there are already tech firms working on systems that would help detect and flag deepfakes.

When will we work on something similar?

Meanwhile, in related developments, Sue Ramirez and Maris Racal were “disrobed” recently by some no-good individuals, posting their handiwork on social media, to the chagrin of the two stars as with their home network, ABS-CBN.

The rape of local entertainment continues.

Government services bring hope to Mandaya Tribe in far-flung Sitio Uduan

 

Davao de Oro Province--- “Naibot gyud ang mga tunok nga among gidala-dala nga mura nag tag upat ka dangaw” said Rubelyn Kilam, a 38 year-old housewife when asked how she felt when government services started to reach her remote village, wherein for years, she was hopeless as their community resides in the farthest spot of New Bataan.

Rubelyn is among the estimated 316 individuals who resides in Uduan, Manurigao of New Bataan. The said sitio holds 43 households with 63 families in total who relies mainly on farming corn, kamote, and abaca for living. With Manurigao identified as one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the province, reaching the place is not an easy exploit.

With elevated grounds blessed with fertile soil and a good climate for crops, Uduan always has a good harvest. But way back then, they always have trouble exporting their local products in town due to the road situation. Even the residents before cannot easily access proper education, health-care services and other emergencies as the path to the capital deprives them. “Lisod kaayo ang dalan sauna, ang amung agi-an kanang mga gamot sa kahoy ug daghan pa gyud kaayog mga mananap. Masayang lang ang amuang mga produkto ug mahimomg walay bili. Usahay naay mga aksidente ug mangamatay nalang sa dalan tungod kay dili madali ug dala sa hospital.” said Rubelyn.

Now that the national and the provincial government of Davao de Oro continue to roll out its programs under the “Bayanihan 4Ps+” blueprint of governance headed by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Sitio Uduan of Manurigao already have an easy access to the capital of New Bataan due to the continuing road infrastructure projects of the PLGU that targets the uplands.

Road infrastructures open a variety of opportunities and brings out the best qualities and potentials of a certain place. This opens an avenue towards progress in tourism, commerce and strengthen one of the golden pillars of the province, its agriculture. It also brings government services and programs closer to the people.

As one of the partners of PLGU-Davao de Oro in promoting sustainability and upholding lives of its constituents especially in GIDA areas, TESDA-Davao de Oro thru the Davao National Agricultural School and Regional Training Center will upskill a total of 135 Mandaya Scholars in Uduan Manurigao through various trainings that will help to them to acquire livelihood skills that fits their community. Being the lead agency of Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC), TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, also visited Uduan, Manurigao last January 27, 2021 during the launch of the Capability Building cum PICO Hydro Power Project Groundbreaking. Together with Sec. Lapeña are heads of the National Government Agencies such as DSWD, DOST, DAR, DTI, DA, DOLE, DepEd, DENR, NCIP, LBP, AFP, PNP, NORDECO, Mayor Geraldford Balbin of New Bataan and Vice Governor Maricar Zamora who represented Governor Uy. The Department of Agriculture also donated corn seeds to the residents, while Vice Governor Maricar Zamora handed out hygiene kits.

“Nalipay mi nga niabot and programa dire sa TESDA ug sa gobyerno, kay wala gyud mi niasa nga maabtan mi ug serbisyo tungod sa kalayo sa amung lugar, imposible kaayo nga makita mi dire. Karun nagpasalamat mi nga nay training diri nga haum ug magamit namo sa amuang lugar.”said Rubelyn.

The daylight starts to unfold the greatness of Manurigao. Once a remote-area that has no access to government services now benefits and begins to develop the community. With the help of the provincial government in partnership with National Government Agencies, sooner, remote-areas will unleash their dormant treasures. (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro, photos by Ronel Renz Alvarez)

Germany considers stopping all air travel due to corona virus mutations

 

By Deutsche Welle DW

Interior Minister Seehofer said Germany is considering a stop to international air travel, citing a similar approach by Israel. He added border closures to regions where new mutations are prevalent are also being mulled.

More infectious variants of the corona virus have prompted consideration of new restrictions.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced on Tuesday that the German government is considering a ban on almost all international air travel in an effort to stop the spread of new, more virulent strains of the corona virus.

"The danger posed by numerous virus mutations forces us to consider drastic measures. That includes significantly stricter border checks, especially at borders with high-risk areas, but also reducing air travel to Germany to almost zero, as Israel is currently doing," Seehofer told the German tabloid Bild. 

The paper reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel requested that Seehofer look into ways the country could defend itself against the spread of mutations on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Merkel told lawmakers she was opposed to an all-out travel ban, while at the same time calling for a halt to tourism as the pandemic continues to spread.

The German Tourism industry braces for $1.2 trillion coronavirus blow.

The German Travel Association criticized the move noting the grave damage the corona virus has already done to the tourism and business travel sectors: "The government should take this into account. It should not concentrate on further tightening our already tightly restricted freedom of movement."

The association said the government would be better served by concentrating on the country's "drastic deficits" regarding vaccinations, adding: "Moreover, the federal government should reflect upon the fact that freedom of movement is a basic right — not a politically granted privilege."