Housing prices in Europe are skyrocketing
As the European elections draw nearer, a recent study from the British think tank Resolution Foundation is poised to spark debate. The battle against escalating prices remains a focal point for various demands, particularly from local residents. Foreign buyers are under scrutiny and accused of driving up property prices. According to the study, UK house prices are significantly above those in other OECD countries, while prices are notably lower in Greece and Poland. However, Finland stands out for the heavy financial burden of housing, with 24% of the population's expenditure dedicated to it, well above the European average of 15%. In contrast, Poland has one of the lowest rates among OECD countries, with only 6% of expenditure allocated to housing.
The housing crisis is affecting the whole of Europe, with some countries being more affected than others. Being a homeowner has become an unattainable dream for the younger generation in the UK, who are watching in dismay as property prices soar by +25% since the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise is even more impressive in Turkey, the hardest-hit country in Europe. Istanbul is no different from other overpriced capitals. In Turkey, prices (in nominal terms) are 12 times higher than they were 9 years ago.
European Union (EU)
Suspension of visa-free travel for third-country nationals considered
On March 13, the Council of Europe agreed to update the visa waiver suspension system for third-country nationals. The agreement comes as part of a strengthening of European measures to combat the misuse of visa exemptions and potential events “contrary to the interests of the EU.” The update defines 4 new criteria for suspension of visa exemption: non-alignment of the third country with EU visa policy, implementation of a “citizenship-by-investment program” with no “real link” between the EU country and the third country, breaches concerning the security of documents (personal data), etc., as well as the absence of a “real link” between the EU country and the third country, and deterioration in relations between the EU and the third country concerned (particularly in terms of human rights).
These new criteria are in addition to those already in place; the current grounds relate more to an increased number of applicants, overstaying the authorized period of stay, an “imminent threat” to public order, or a lack of cooperation with the EU regarding obligations to leave European territory. The visa waiver suspension period will be extended from 9 to 12 months. It may be extended to 24 months, compared to 18 actually. The Council of Europe agreement will lead to negotiations with the European Parliament for new legislation.
Simplified visa rules for non-European workers
Since December 2023, EU countries have agreed on a reform to facilitate visa and residence regulations for non-EU workers. On March 13, the European Parliament confirmed the provisional agreement of December 2023. Still hit by major labor shortages, the EU is looking for foreign talent. The reform promises a “slightly” facilitated procedure for foreign workers. Holders of a valid residence permit will be able to apply for conversion into a “single permit” without leaving the European territory. The processing time will be reduced from 4 to 3 months, except for complex applications.
The measure also authorizes non-European workers to change employers after informing the relevant authorities. Unemployed expatriates holding a single permit will have 3 months to find a new one and retain their right to work. This period is extended to 6 months if the single permit has been valid for 2 years. The reform also provides greater protection for expatriates, especially in cases of labor exploitation. Only Denmark and Ireland have not included this measure. All remains for EU ministers to formally ratify the measure by law, as the provisional agreement will lapse with the European elections in June 2024.
The latest Golden Visa changes in Dubai
To keep attracting affluent foreign talent, the city has simplified the process of obtaining the Golden Visa. Applicants no longer need to bring in a minimum of 1 million dirhams (approximately $270,300) to qualify. This announcement has sparked a surge in demand for Dubai properties valued at around 2 million dirhams (approximately $545,000), the amount required to secure a 10-year, renewable Golden Visa. This increased demand is prompting property developers to invest in larger homes at this price point. Since its launch in 2019, Dubai's Golden Visa program has attracted numerous major international players. According to Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, there was a whopping 52% increase in Golden Visa issuances during the first half of 2023.
Germany: visa rules relaxed for international students who wish to work
Germany recently adopted (March 1, 2024) the second part of its skilled worker reform. The visa for study applications will allow non-EU nationals to stay in Germany for 9 months while applying to enter university and taking language courses. The reform authorizes them to work for up to 20 hours per week. The authorities hope to increase the visa's popularity through this measure.
The authorization to work also applies to non-European apprentices under 35. They can now stay in Germany for 9 months and work while seeking an apprenticeship related to their course of study. They can continue to work even during their apprenticeship, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week.
International students enrolled at a German university also benefit from similar advancements. The reform now allows them to work 140 days per calendar year, compared to the previous limit of 120 days. Furthermore, foreign graduates are entitled to additional benefits, including the opportunity to change their career path using other visas such as the European Blue Card or skilled worker visa. The German authorities prioritize professional experience in relevant sectors. These new regulations apply to both foreign graduates from outside Germany and those who completed their studies in the country.
Canada
Stricter conditions for spouses' work permits
On March 19, Canada enacted new rules tightening work permit requirements for spouses. Before the reform, spouses of foreign undergraduate students were eligible for the permit. Under the new measure, only spouses of master's or doctoral students (university or polytechnic) will be eligible. However, the law allows exceptions for specific university programs: medicine and parapharmacy (dental surgery, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine), law, education and engineering.
Individuals applying for work permits as spouses must continue demonstrating their relationship with their sponsor, who is typically an international student. Additionally, they must provide evidence that their partner is enrolled in a degree program. Applicants who submitted their applications before March 19 remain eligible if their partner meets specific conditions, such as holding a valid study permit or being eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Spouses ineligible for the work permit can explore alternative options, such as applying for a different type of work permit or a visitor's visa. However, it's important to note that a visitor's visa does not grant permission to work.
Nova Scotia lowers student visa quota
To better welcome international students, Canada has tightened visa requirements. Study permit quotas have also been reduced, depending on the province. This is the case in Nova Scotia, which will reduce its quota by 35%, i.e., -7,000 students compared to 2023. Higher Education Minister Brian Wong justifies the measure: the province has reached its quota (12,900 places) for the 2024-2025 school year. However, this 35% drop also goes hand in hand with a decline in the number of study permits approved at the federal level. This year, the Immigration Department will approve only 360,000 study permits, 35% fewer than in 2023. In 2023, Canada welcomed just over one million international students (29% more than in 2022).
New immigration pilot projects to support rural and francophone communities
This new measure is expected to relieve congestion in big cities and attract expatriates to rural areas. Immigration Minister Mark Miller has announced 2 new immigration programs tailored to rural areas: the “Rural Community Immigration Pilot Project” and the “Francophone Community Immigration Pilot Project” (to be launched in autumn 2024). Rural areas also suffer from labor shortages. However, they are often neglected in favor of larger, better-known cities such as Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. The programs will provide access to permanent residency. Rural areas expect no less. The government is building on the success of the Pilot Program for Rural and Northern Immigration (PPICRN), which has enabled nearly 5,000 foreign workers to obtain permanent residency (figure as at December 31, 2023). According to the provinces concerned, the PPICRN has helped to alleviate labor shortages in the health, retail, restaurant and scientific and technical services sectors. Building on its success, PPICRN will be continued. The authorities are counting on achieving the same positive results with the new pilot programs—a feeling shared by prospective expatriates, especially French-speaking ones.
Japan: higher tuition fees for international students
The government is urging Japanese universities to raise tuition fees for international students by 20%. The reason given: cost. It would be more expensive to host international students than local students. The government argues that more resources are needed for international students, including Japanese language courses and support in finding accommodation. Currently, students pay an average of 535,800 yen (approx. $3,540) in tuition fees.
The government denies any intention of burdening the budgets of prospective international students. While the 20% increase is consequential, it points out that it remains lower than the cost of studying in Canada, the UK or the USA. The rise in tuition fees will be especially used to better welcome international students (renovation of infrastructure, etc.). The executive is optimistic that the measure will not discourage them as Japan still aims to welcome 400,000 foreigners by 2033, 30% more than in 2019.
Singapore now offers passport-free entry to specific travelers
Singapore is gradually implementing biometric passports. Last year, the government made a significant announcement, stating that it would replace travel document verification with biometric processing. This transition is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024, starting with Changi International Airport. This move signifies a shift towards digitized data processing, effectively phasing out traditional passports. Additionally, Singapore is eliminating the need for passports for exchanges with Malaysia via the land border.
Since March 20, 2024, travelers commuting by bus between Singapore and Malaysia can present a self-generated QR Code at checkpoints instead of the conventional passport. Among these checkpoints, the one connecting Johor Bahru (Malaysia) to Woodlands (Singapore) ranks as one of the busiest globally. According to Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, this reform streamlines and expedites immigration procedures without compromising security. Currently, only Singapore residents and foreign travelers can generate the QR Code using MyICA, a government-deployed application.
United Kingdom
Higher passenger tax announced
For Clive Wratten, Chief Executive of the Business Travel Association, this is “disastrous” news. On March 6, 2024, the UK's Spring Budget announced the increase of the Air Passenger Duty (APD) in 2025 and 2026. The first passengers affected will be first and business-class travelers, with fares increasing from April 1, 2025. Clive Wratten denounces a measure that endorses prejudice against business class travelers. He points out that business-class travelers are not necessarily wealthy. SMEs, charities and research staff also travel business class. Others follow suit, calling the measure “harmful” to business.
But London is not backing down. From April 1, 2024, fares will increase on certain flights. The increase will be between £1 and £5 depending on the criteria used, for example, from £13 to £14 for a domestic flight, from £191 to £194 for a medium-haul flight, etc. The tax also rises for economy classes: from £6.50 to £7 for domestic flights and up to £92 for long-haul. The government explains these increases by the inflationary context and is counting on the tax hike to replenish its coffers. Passenger taxes currently bring in almost £4 billion a year. Most travelers to the UK pay APD, except for those under-16s in economy class, under-2s without a reserved seat, and humanitarian aid workers.
Stringent visa regulations for foreign caregivers
A growing number of expatriate workers in the UK are being forced to stay at home without working. According to Grosvenor Healthcare, one of the UK's leading homecare providers, the Ministry of the Interior has allegedly failed to renew their work permits. During and after the health crisis, thousands of expatriates (particularly Africans) came to the aid of British hospitals and care centers. But the system, exploited by rogue employers, has alerted the executive, who is tightening the screw. It used to be very easy to sponsor an expatriate worker in this field, compared to now. Besides, the government no longer renews work permits.
Grosvenor Healthcare says it currently pays around 30 employees to stay at home. If nothing is done, there will be a hundred more. In his view, this is a paradoxical situation, considering the shortage of over 150,000 carers in the UK. He also points out the massive contribution of these expatriate workers during the Covid pandemic.
The Golden visa is back in Hungary
As the European Commission works to abolish the controversial golden visa scheme, Hungary has reintroduced its program in January. The Hungarian Golden Visa program was halted in 2017 following criticism of its discriminatory practices, which favored wealthy foreigners over less affluent expatriates. Despite opposition to the previous system, the Orbán government has revived the golden visa without encountering significant resistance.
The Hungarian Golden Visa for 2024 is accessible to any foreign national meeting the following criteria: investing 250,000 euros in the country's economy, purchasing property valued at a minimum of 500,000 euros and retaining ownership for five years, or investing 1 million euros in educational, artistic, or scientific projects endorsed by a Hungarian institution. In response to money laundering and corruption concerns, the European Parliament recommends that Hungary restricts eligibility for the Golden Visa, including imposing limitations on Russian nationals and implementing a tax system aligned with EU standards.
Kuwait
A three-month amnesty period for residence visa holders
Since March 17, foreigners who have failed to comply with residency legislation have benefited from a 3-month amnesty. The announcement was made by the Ministry of the Interior in the context of Ramadan. Some 120,000 expatriates could benefit from this measure, scheduled to run until June 17, 2024. Illegal expatriates are allowed to remain in the country, but only if they pay the fines due by June 17. Residence visa fines can range from 2 to 600 Kuwaiti dinars (around $6.5 to $1,950). Offenders unable to pay their fines may leave the country without penalty but will have to undergo new procedures to re-enter the country. The Ministry points out, however, that the amnesty is not a policy change. Foreigners who fail to regularize their situation beyond the specified period risk deportation. Their names will be blacklisted, and this would bar them from returning to Kuwait for life.
Educational certificates check for expatriate workers
An administrative circular issued on March 13 by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs requires a check on the education certificates of Kuwaiti and expatriate workers. The check will be carried out via a platform specially created by the Ministry. It's worth noting that the Ministry has been rolling out its “Ramadan plan” across all its departments. This involves organizing religious activities and programs during the entire month of Ramadan. Hence the need for qualified, trained staff. Businesses are also involved in the program.
Ban on expat beggars
During the month of Ramadan, the Ministry of the Interior's agents have been intensifying efforts to tackle the issue of expat beggars. Kuwaiti authorities have noted an increase in the "activity" of expatriate beggars during this period. Law enforcement is specifically targeting foreigners who engage in begging around mosques, markets, and shops. In accordance with government orders, expatriate beggars apprehended by the police are arrested and potentially deported. Additionally, the offense will be documented in the expatriate's sponsor file, resulting in a ban from returning to Kuwait. A dedicated hotline has been established to report expat beggars, with authorities committing to prompt intervention and enforcement of sanctions. The government aims to combat criminal activities that pose a threat to society.
El Salvador: income tax abolished for foreign sourced income
This is El Salvador's latest strategy to attract foreign investors: On Tuesday, March 12, Congress passed a reform aimed at eliminating income tax on foreign-source income. This law specifically targets remittances and business investments. Previously, income of $150,000 or more was subject to a 30% tax rate. Congresswoman Suecy Callejas, who advocated for the reform, believes that eliminating this tax will not only encourage foreign investment in El Salvador but also boost domestic investment, leading to overall economic growth. The executive anticipates positive outcomes in terms of job creation.
Mexico-California reintroduce a family reunification visa
Nicknamed “Abuelitas” (grandparents), the program was initially launched in 2005, at the instigation of then Republican US Senator Mark Kirk. Democrat Brad Schneider, who represents Illinois' 10th district in the House of Representatives, relaunched the program this year, again with Kirk's support. Supported by other players on both sides of the border, they strongly support the reunification of grandparents living in Mexico and grandchildren residing in California. Among these players, Waukegan's Club San Jose plays a crucial role in organizing these reunions, which are essential for families sometimes separated for more than 20 years. Kirk welcomes these successes in a political context he considers more difficult today. Yet he believes that family issues should not be the subject of partisan battles.
Countries with the highest visa fees
Are you considering a move abroad? But at what cost? In today's increasingly tense global environment, relocation plans are being drafted with calculators. Visa costs are rising, depending on the chosen visa type and processing time. According to a recent study by international insurer William Russel, the cost of an Australian visa (temporary work visa for labor shortages) is one of the highest, at nearly $2,000. This is followed by the well-known H-1B temporary work visa in the US (around $1,107) and the British skilled worker visa (almost $1,700). Other countries with relatively high visa fees include Japan, India, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Greek visa fees are more affordable at $320. However, it's clear that visa fees are on the rise in several countries. The EU is contemplating a 12% increase in Schengen visa fees (from 80 to 90 euros for adults), while the UK has been gradually raising its visa fees since 2023. The United States also announced a substantial 70% hike in the H-1B visa fee.
Albania: end of visa requirements to boost tourism
Albania's Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro, is delighted with the latest figures showing a record of over 10 million foreign tourists by 2023, up 35% in 2022. Albania is becoming a popular destination, especially among European tourists. To attract more foreigners, Albania has decided to waive visa requirements for several countries: Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Thailand. In April 2023, Albania had already approved a similar decision for the Gulf countries (from April 20 to December 31, 2023). Immediately applicable, this new visa exemption runs until December 31, 2024. Nationals of the countries concerned can, therefore, travel to Albania without a visa for a maximum of 90 days out of a 180-day period.
