Expat China News

Latest 10 news items tagged China

14 Jul at 6 PM 2020

Expat Hongkongers protesting in Oz now fearing Chinese surveillance

Hong Kong expats who’re organising anti-Chinese events in Oz are now at risk from the new law. Three Australian expats are risking everything by speaking out over China’s controversial new security law as part of a growing resistance movement. A collective of Hong Kong expats hailing from New South Wales in Australia and calling themselves NSW HongKongers are now fearing their events have been the subject of surveillance by agents of the Chinese state. When interviewed by local media, the three insisted on anonymity including...
13 Jul at 6 PM 2020

Hongkongers and expats mourning the loss of Hong Kong’s soul

As the Hong Kong crisis escalates, Hong Kong expats living in the UK are welcoming Britain’s offer whilst mourning the loss of the city’s soul. The British government’s offer to millions of Hong Kong residents of a pathway to UK citizenship is being welcomed by those expats already in the UK, but it’s being criticised for not being open to many of those desperate to leave. Coincidentally – or not, those Hongkongers born after the then colony’s return to rule by China in 1997 were those most active in the 2019...
13 Jul at 6 PM 2020

Japan to allow expats trapped overseas to return in August

Expats and students trapped outside Japan will be allowed to re-enter in August. Expat residents and students who left Japan before April 3 and are now stranded overseas will be allowed to re-enter in August. In a majority of world countries, sudden governmental reactions to the grim reality of the coronavirus have left literally millions of travellers, expats and students locked out of their countries of residence and unable to get back to their home countries. Japan is no exception, with some 90,000 still stranded all over the...
30 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Expats still in Hong Kong are forced to accept the end of an era

What can expat professionals in Hong Kong do now? Expats and Hong Kong citizens alike are now fearing the effects of China’s sweeping new rules aimed at crushing all freedoms in the unique former British colony. After millions joined the last 12 months’ daily demonstrations demanding autonomy from Beijing, the imposition of the new law is striking fear into the hearts of all residents, who are now fully aware the unique archipelago and its financial industry will never be the same again. After Hong Kong’s handover to China,...
26 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Expat owned Thai tourism businesses unhappy about government strategy

Expat SME owners and locals in Thailand's tourism sector are unhappy at government plans to target big-spender tourists. Thailand’s hospitality sector has been more than hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, losing up to 75 per cent of its annual visitor totals and forcing the permanent closure of large numbers of mid- and lower-range accommodation and eateries as well as top-end hotels and restaurants. The bulk of tourists who arrived before the outbreak were from China, travelling on package tours and using Chinese-owned...
26 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Expats with Thai wives now allowed to re-enter Thailand

Thailand is finally lowering the bar and letting expats with Thai wives and families come home. A recent report from the Thai government has finally designated the classification of groups of foreigners to be allowed into the country. To the relief of thousands expats married to Thais and with young families, they’re finally to be reunited with their loved ones after months of separation simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Others in the same group include wellness and medical tourists, permanent residents,...
16 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Expat owned businesses in China now at risk from lockdown

The Chinese ban on entry is causing fear and confusion in both international schools and foreign companies. Foreign businesses and international schools in China have been badly hit by the country’s travel ban and lockdown, with international students, company executives and teachers fearing for their futures in one way or another. Many are stranded overseas, either in their home countries, in holiday destinations or in countries home to their head offices. Families are separated and companies are struggling to cope without their...
15 Jun at 6 PM 2020

China travel ban hitting on expat businesses and international schools

Expat businesses in China are now under threat by the coronavirus travel ban. From executives through English teachers to international schools and their pupils, China’s travel ban against foreigners entering the vast country is causing chaos. Firms are struggling as expat executives are trapped, unable get back even although they have work permits and valid residency visas. After a new cluster of coronavirus sufferers was identified in Beijing several days ago, moves to lift restrictions are now on the back burner. One expat...
13 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Expats in Thailand now fearing an explosion of xenophobia

Is anti-foreigner racism in Thailand getting out of hand? One of the smartest ever slogans used to attract Western visitors seems now to be looking more than slightly tarnished. The ‘Land of Smiles’ became a favourite with both Western tourists as well as Westerners who chose to retire in its sun kissed, affordable resorts and small towns. Many are still resident and have acquired Thai wives and families or are part of long-established expat communities across the country, from its southern islands to its more traditional...
5 Jun at 6 PM 2020

Hong Kong expats see US sanctions as a mistake

Expats in Hong Kong strongly believe US sanctions against the city are a big mistake. Traditionally, expats living and working in Hong Kong are against any action which disturbs the fragile peace and financial success of the former British colony. As a result, they believe moves by Trump to impose trade sanctions on the city will rebound and result in the US being the biggest loser in the longer term. One former Hong Kong-resident expat now living outside Asia agrees, citing the fact that US exports and services to the city...