Today’s blog is a short but relevant deviation away from certified translation for use in the UK, immigration and the state of the nation as Brexit looms ominously in the distance. For our audience (90% being expats looking to call the UK their homes) the information shared might just open your eyes to a new promised land. We are going to make this a 10-part series so look out for upcoming blog posts.
According to Conde Nast Traveler’s 2018 list these are the top 10 nations for expats to live in. For reference, an expat is “any person who lives outside their native country.” Given in brackets are a percentage score or ranking showing how “free” the country is deemed to be. More on that below.
10. United Arab Emirates (17/100 free)
9. Taiwan (93/100 free)
8. Switzerland (#17 most free in the world)
7. Sweden (#1 most free in the world)
6. Australia (#6 most free in the world)
5. Bahrain (12/100 free)
4. Canada (#4 most free in the world)
3. Germany (#24 most free in the world)
2. New Zealand (#8 most free in the world)
1. Singapore (52/100 free)
The reasons cited for ranking highly on this list include economies, family life, cost of living and wage growth. Our blog will add democracy, individual freedoms and climate as considerations for those looking to try somewhere new.
United Arab Emirates
Since 89% of the residents of UAE are foreigners it’s safe to say there is a good reason for that. Expats often still have a responsibility to their home countries including still having to pay taxes, familial obligations or outstanding debts. With zero income tax and most expats reporting at least a 40% wage increase when they move there, this allows UAE workers to pocket more after their essential expenses. It should mean more money for fun, right? Not necessarily. While it is not overtly dangerous, the UAE is still a very conservative nation. People in the LGBT community, adulterers, and those expressing sympathies to any “enemies of the state” face harsh penalties. Unlike most of the other countries on this list, women residing in United Arab Emirates will have to cover up more depending on where they come from. However, women working there may feel safer in the workplace than in a so-called “free nation”. Many expats report that the police work very hard to ensure law and order in UAE and that women are highly protected in the workplace.
Democracy is not the strongest in this nation. With the highest governmental bodies being elected by other members of those same bodies, it is not hard to see why. For example, “The emirate of Abu Dhabi has controlled the federation’s presidency since its inception in 1971; the current president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, succeeded his father in 2004.” The unelected Federal Supreme Council is the country’s highest legislative authority, but it is advised by the 40-seat Federal National Council (FNC), which can review proposed laws and question government ministers. The FNC, while elected, is elected by people from lists drawn up by the rulers of each emirate, making way for shady business.
On the bright side, the weather is nice most of the year only becoming extremely hot from June to September.
What do I have to do to get there?
Unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you need to obtain a visa for the UAE before you go there. Your supporting documents (like birth certificates and passports) need to be translated into Arabic or English. An official certified translation will be necessary. If you are from the UK or US you may obtain a tourist visa at the airport on arrival, but it is better to apply in advance for a visit visa so you can gather some facts before committing. For the visit visa, you will need a sponsor, whether that be your future employer, a family member or even the airline that you bought your round-trip ticket on.
As for the Arabic translations required, just get in touch. We can now deliver a certified translation service that is accepted in all nations. We have translators working around the world who can certify according to the rules of their home nation. Whatever you need when it comes to certified translations, we’re here to help.
Part 2. Coming Soon Taiwan
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