expat network
stamp duty holiday

The Pros And Cons Of The Stamp Duty Holiday

The stamp duty holiday granted by the Chancellor in July 2020 ends in March 2021.  Here One Touch Investment look in depth at the impact this has had on the buy to let market and what is likely to happen after the stamp duty holiday ends. Written exclusively for Expat Network by One Touch Investment. ...

Mortgage Payments

Beware The Mortgage Payment Holiday For Buy To Let

With the current Covid crisis many banks are offering mortgage payment holidays in accordance with UK government policy.  However, the consequences for buy to let investors need to be considered to ensure it does not impact your credit for future investments. As England moves into its latest full lockdown and banks once again offer...

perth

Perth And Gold Coast To Become Eligible For Regional Visas

In October the Government announced the new definition of ‘Regional Australia’ will change to encompass all areas of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from 16 November 2019. As a result, both Perth and the Gold Coast will be reclassified as regional areas for visa and migration purposes to allow more skilled migrants to settle,...

immigration plans

Australia’s Immigration Plans For The Next Three Years – Post Election

Australia’s immigration plans have been subject to uncertainty but the plans for the next three years are now clearer following the 2019 election.  Interstaff set out the expectations. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 30 May, 2019 Following the 2019 Federal Election, there is now greater certainty of Australia’s immigration policy directions over the next three-year...

school in australia

Choosing a School In Australia

Australia has excellent state and independent schools to choose from. School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college).  School education in Australia lasts for 13 years, and is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9...

UK Pension

I Live In Canada. Where Do I Pay Tax On My UK Pension?

One of the members of the Expat Network community asked the following question about where her UK pension will be taxed having emigrated to Canada. Richard Watts-Joyce, Partner at Global Tax Network responded to her query. Question: “I have just submitted a request to collect my pension early from Merseyside Pension Fund of which...

dependent visas

Trend In Dependent Visas Generally Positive But Not In All Markets

Dependent visas allow spouses and family members to travel for the purpose of accompanying a family member with a corresponding visa type. Fragomen’s research shows a generally positive trend in many countries but sees a constriction in some countries.   Fragomen, the leading immigration law firm, has published research on the workings of immigration systems...

Permanent Residence

New Pathways To Permanent Residence In Regional Australia

Businesses have long been advocating for more flexible migration laws to accommodate for labour shortages in regional areas – and it looks like the Government is listening. As part of its focus on alleviating population pressures in Sydney and Melbourne, various regional migration agreements are being fast-tracked across the country. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 19...

holiday visa

Australia Relaxes Working Holiday Visa Program Restrictions

Interstaff provide an update on the relaxation of the Working Holiday Visa, which enables young people to work while they travel in Australia and to extend their stay if they are eligible. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 7th November, 2018 The Government has announced it will relax Working Holiday Visa program restrictions relating to age...

regional areas

Migrants To Live In Regional Areas: Government Plans

Interstaff have outlined the latest on plans for Australia’s new migrants to live in regional areas to reduce the impact on the main cities in Australia. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 9 October, 2018 Australia’s Population and Urban Infrastructure Minister, Alan Tudge today confirmed the Government is progressing plans to develop a new landmark population policy that will...

household goods

Taking Household Goods To Australia

You can find guidance on sending your household goods and personal effects on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.  Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPEs) include your household and personal items, but not motor vehicles or parts, commercial goods or items that have been bequeathed or purchased over the internet.  UPEs may arrive in Australia...

East African Skills Gaps Opens Energy Market

With over 100,000 locals needing to be trained over the next ten years to support East Africa’s oil and gas, mining and construction ambition, a delegation of ten Scottish oil and gas training providers have been visiting Tanzania and Mozambique to offer their skills and experience to these markets and to capitalise on the significant...