They’re the globally mobile professionals that work around the world in the offices of some of the largest companies – and around half are lonely. 

New research by health benefits provider Cigna Healthcare’s International Health business found that nearly half (48%), of globally mobile workers are lonely - lacking companionship in their new city or country. 

In this iPMI Global Expatriate Life article we look at a proposed "gold card" visa program from President Trump. This initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa with a $5 million residency permit that offers a path to U.S. citizenship. The EB-5 program, which requires a $1 million investment and job creation, has been criticized for fraud and being under priced. 

In this iPMI Global Expatriate Life In Focus article, we explore and analyse the Aon 2024 International People Mobility Survey Report.

The Aon 2024 International People Mobility Survey Report explores evolving trends and challenges in global mobility. It highlights the resurgence of business travel, influenced by factors like inflation, talent shortages, and political unrest. The report analyses key aspects of global mobility, including business travel, long-term assignments, and remote work. It examines how companies are adapting policies to address diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Compliance, cost containment, and employee well being are identified as major concerns for organizations navigating international assignments and remote work arrangements. The study provides insights into regional variations, industry-specific trends, and recommendations for optimizing global mobility strategies.

A survey of 1,504 expatriate workers in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has highlighted contrasting views on workplace benefits.

While 84% of those surveyed cited the benefits offered by their employer as playing a role in their decision to move to the Gulf, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the region’s End of Service Gratuity (EoSG) system. These one-off severance payments, a common practice in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, are deemed insufficient for meeting retirement needs by 60% of respondents.

Singapore breaks away from the peloton of six countries that shared the top spot on the Henley Passport Index as we entered the new year, reclaiming its title as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest ranking published today. The city-state also sets a new record score, with its citizens now enjoying access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.

4 in 5 (80%) non-native employees are experiencing negative mental health symptoms as a direct result of their working environment. Worrying findings from the fourth non-native Mind Health Report produced by leading international health insurance provider, AXA - Global Healthcare, show that workplace wellbeing has continued to decline for non-native employees.

In this iPMI Global In Focus Expatriate Life article, iPMI report author and market analyst Ian Youngman, takes a look at news that there is a new guide for expatriates working and living in China, from the Ministry of Commerce of China.

In this iPMI Global In Focus Expatriate Life article, iPMI report author and market analyst Ian Youngman, takes a look at news out of Bahrain, that expats may be barred from taking jobs in 6 professions.

In this iPMI Global In Focus Expatriate Life article, iPMI report author and market analyst Ian Youngman, takes a look at Mercer's report on The ‘Silver Dollar’ Opportunity: Competing for Retirement Capital. 

Research by AXA has revealed that as many as two in five (41%) young expats aged 18-24 are negatively impacted mentally by social media and tech addiction.