Expat trends: Expatriate incomes decrease

Expat incomes decrease: Over half of expatriates have noticed a decrease in their disposable income since Janurary 2008, according to a survey from Halifax International. The ‘expat mood monitor’, a survey of more than 1,000 people living all over the world, shows that almost two-thirds (62%) have seen a decrease in their overall investment portfolios. Nevertheless, 63% of expats believe that the economic situation in their current country of residence is better than in the UK. Property abroad has suffered to a lesser extent than in the UK, with one third of expats (33%) stating that the value of their property overseas has remained the same since January 2008. Over half (54%) of expats have reported no change in their rent payments overseas.

Expat travel bans in Kuwait: Expats living in Kuwait could be banned from leaving the country unless they can prove they have repaid their debts, according to media reports. This would match recent reports of expatriates leaving Middle Eastern countries in a hurry because of their debts, many of them even leaving their car behind at the airports.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi more costly for expats: Dubai has emerged as the most expensive city in the Gulf region for expatriates, according to a new survey. It raised 26 places to No. 53 of 132 cities in the world while United Arab Emirates’ capital, Abu Dhabi, raised 15 places from last year to No. 80, The Nation reported, citing a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

Autralia and New Zealand cheap for British Expats: According to a survey by Foreign Currency Direct, the cheapest English-speaking places for British expatriates are Australia and New Zealand, where the cost of living is one third lower than in the UK. The study compared the cost of various purchases commonly made by a British person living overseas. New Zealand is the cheapest, with a cost of living 33 per cent lower than in the UK. Australia is not far behind, offering a cost of living 22 per cent lower than in the UK.

Oman lifts ban on expats: Oman’s Ministry of Manpower has reversed its earlier decision to ban expatriates’ employment in eight low level professions. Last year, the government had banned the employment of expatriates in as many as 15 professions while taking into consideration the need for providing employment to Omanis particularly in the densely populated areas of the Sultanate.

The best and the worst expat destinations: In a new location ranking survey by ECA International, European expats rank Copenhagen as their top choice to live in the world. Three Swiss cities — Geneva, Basel and Bern — and three German cities — Düsseldorf, Bonn and Munich – also placed in the top 10 rankings. Meanwhile, Asian expats find the highest quality of life in Singapore and Sydney. Singapore’s air quality, services and low crime rate made it the preferred destination for Asian assignees for the 10th straight year. Worldwide, Lagos, Jakarta and Riyadh have been voted the worst locations for expats to live in.

UPDATE: we have added to some information about expatriate salaries and expat benefits.