Visa Glossary/Expatriate

Expatriate

Introduction:

An 'Expatriate,' often called an 'Expat,' is a person who lives in a country different from their birthplace or nationality, either for a short period or permanently. People become expats for many reasons, such as work, study, or the desire for a change in lifestyle.

Detailed Explanation:

The term expatriate comes from the Latin words 'ex,' meaning 'out of,' and 'patria,' meaning 'country' or 'fatherland.' Thus, expatriates are those who live outside their native country. Expats can be of any age, profession, or background and choose to live abroad for diverse reasons ranging from job opportunities in multinational companies, desire for adventure, retirement in a different climate to accompanying family members.

What is Expatriate (Expat) Meaning:

Expatriates are distinct because they have decided to make a home away from home. They adapt to new cultures, languages, and lifestyles while maintaining their identity. They might stay in the foreign country for a short period, or it might become their new permanent residence.

Who is an Expatriate:

Anyone can be an expatriate. From a student studying abroad, an employee transferred to an international branch of their company, to retirees choosing to live in warmer climates - they all are expats.

Expat Meaning:

'Expat' is the informal term used for expatriates. It encapsulates the global spirit of living and working in foreign lands, embracing new experiences while contributing to the expat community.

One Who Lives in a Foreign Country:

In a foreign country, expats navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, learning a new language, and understanding local customs and laws. This journey enriches their lives, offering a unique blend of their culture with that of the host country.

Expats:

The expat community is vibrant and diverse, consisting of people from all walks of life sharing their life journey abroad. They form networks, share advice, and support each other in navigating the complexities of expatriate life.

What makes someone an expatriate?

An individual becomes an expatriate by living outside their native country for various reasons, including employment, education, or lifestyle changes.

How long must one live in a foreign country to be considered an expat?

There is no set time. Whether someone lives abroad for a few months, years, or permanently, they can be considered an expat.

Can expats still vote in their home country's elections?

It depends on the laws of the expat's home country. Many countries allow their citizens living abroad to vote in national elections.

What are the biggest challenges expats face?

Expats often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, homesickness, and navigating legal requirements in a foreign country.

What does the name expatriate mean?

An expatriate, or "expat" for short, lives in a different country from where they were born or used to live. Think of it like moving to a new school in a different city or country, where you will stay for a while or maybe even a long time.

What is an expatriate vs an emigrant?

  • Expatriate (Expat): Someone who moves to a different country but might plan to return home someday or keep moving to other places. Expats often move for a job, study, or experience life somewhere new.

  • Emigrant: This person leaves their home country to live in another country permanently. It's like if you moved to a new place and decided it would be your home forever.

What is the same meaning of expatriate?

Words that mean the same as expatriate include:

  • Overseas worker

  • International worker

  • Foreign resident

These all describe someone living and often working in a country that's not where they originally come from.

Who is an expatriate employee?

An expatriate employee works for a company but has been sent to live and work in a different country as part of their job. It's like if a teacher from your school was asked to teach at another school in a different country for a while. This person gets to experience living in a new place while still working for the same company or organisation.

What is the difference between an expat, refugee, asylum seeker, immigrant, and emigrant?

  • Expat (Expatriate): An expat is someone who chooses to live outside their native country. Imagine someone living in a different place for work, study, or adventure. Expats usually plan to stay for a certain period before moving back home or to another country.

  • Refugee: A refugee is a person forced to leave their country because they are at risk of harm due to war, violence, or persecution. Imagine leaving your home because it's not safe anymore, looking for safety in a different country.

  • Asylum Seeker: An asylum seeker is someone seeking protection in another country because they fear persecution in their home country. They have applied for asylum (safety) and await the decision. It's like knocking on someone's door during a storm, asking to come in and stay until it's safe again.

  • Immigrant: An immigrant is someone who comes to live in a country different from where they were born to settle there permanently. It's like moving to a new town to make it your new home.

  • Emigrant: An emigrant leaves their own country permanently to live in another country. The focus here is on the act of leaving their home country. Think of it as saying goodbye to where you were born or lived for a long time because you're moving to a new place to start a new chapter. If you were moving out of your house to live somewhere else for good, you would be an emigrant from your old home.