Medical advice and know-how for people living and working abroad

Health

When you travel to work and live in different climates and environments, you should be aware that there can be many health risks related to different diseases found in different countries that you may have never been exposed to before. To stay fit and healthy you should pay particular attention to food hygiene, the source of   drinking water and hand cleanliness.

Before planning to travel or move abroad you should ensure that you are fully aware of the health status of your host country and have taken appropriate medical precautions, such as immunisations and suitable medical insurance cover.
There are a number of resources available to provide advice and support. Your first stop should be to consult with your doctor.

In the UK your doctor can provide you with a free booklet 'Health advice for Travellers' which primarily gives advice on health and immunisations as well as the rules of the EU service. It is also advisable to ask for a copy of your medical notes to take with you if you have or have had any type of serious medical complaint.

to see more of this article click this link  www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Medical

In addition to the above advice, why not take a look at the Aviva new health passport to help you keep a track of your medical history and test results click this link www.aviva.co.uk/healthpassport

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Working Abroad - Creating a home in your new host coutry

Wherever I lay my shell, that's my home...

Imagine being able to walk out of your house whenever you get fed up of the wallpaper, or want a different view from the window – and simply take over another one that takes your fancy. Business as usual if you happen to be a hermit crab.

Hermit crabs come in two families – Paguridae and Coenobitidae – and are one of nature's travelers. They're not weighed down by mortgages or material possessions. If they wake up one morning and feel like it, they don't have much planning to do before they're on their way. That's probably why hermit crabs are found all over the world with the exception of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Of course, when non shell-dwellers like ourselves travel, accommodation is important and does require planning - whether we are organising a short term trip or a long term move.

If you are relocating and need to find the perfect roof over your head, expatknowhow can help - see ‘creating a home in your new host country' for more information.

In fact, it turns out that even some species of hermit crabs need to plan ahead a bit; the symbiotic relationships they form with sea anemones is a bond so strong that when the crab moves home, it takes the anemone along too!

Are you thinking of  living and working abroad?

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BRIC Countries

The BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China – have powered ahead economically over the past decade, but will they be able to take up the slack in the world economy from the US consumer?

See more at the Financial Times website click below:
http://www.ft.com/cms/9bae68fe-011c-11df-a4cb-00144feabdc0.htm

Are you thinking of working abroad in India or China?
Need help or support?
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Working Abroad - Money Matters

Organising your finances when working abroad:

When going to live and work abroad you will need to get your financial affairs in order.

Have a discussion with your employer to fully understand how they will be paying you your salary and discuss the best options for you.

You could start by going to your bank to find out what kind of service and advice they can offer you.

It would be advisable to use a bank that has an online banking facility, so that even if it takes a while for you to set up internet access in your ‘new home', you can obtain access to your account from your office or an internet café (take care though when using an unknown internet source and ensure that you log out and delete history when finished).

Remember to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be conducting transactions from abroad, as some expats in countries considered to be susceptible to fraud, have found access to their accounts blocked.

Many major banks have branches in many countries worldwide, where you will have the use of the facilities such as safety deposit boxes (for a fee) and advisors that you can talk to. Some banks also have offshore bank account facilities, located in places such as Jersey and the Isle of Man, specifically catering to the expat community; these offer a large range of services that cater to the expat needs.

Click here to find out about the current Lloyds TSB International Premier account £100 cash offer when you open an account by 20 March 2011 and for access to the Lloyds TSB International Premier Account Application Form.
http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Financial

Decide how you will handle credit card bills as many expats have ended up with ruined credit histories or high charges for late payments. Once your credit rating is ruined it can take years to put right and can have serious implications in the future when looking to take loans or buy property.

Look into the best savings options for you, at home and overseas.


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Working abroad - Civil unrest in North Africa

Due to the civil unrest in a number of North African countries, the Foreign &Commonwealth Office has offered the following advice:

Morocco
Whilst there are currently no travel restrictions in place, travellers to the country should follow news reports and be alert to developments in North Africa that might trigger public disturbances.

Travellers should take precautions for their personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension may affect Travel Advice.


Libya
All but essential travel to Libya is not recommended. Those without a pressing need to remain in the country, should leave by commercial means if it is safe to do so.

The Libyan authorities may restrict access to the more remote parts of the country (e.g. desert areas and remote towns) at short notice.

Major demonstrations are continuing in Tripoli and across Libya, including in Benghazi, Derna and Al Bayda in the East of Libya and Misurata and Zawiya in Western Libya. Security forces have been deployed and there are reports of clashes and the use of violence , including water cannon, live ammunition and tear gas, to disperse crowds.

Foreign Nationals should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.

The British Embassy in Tripoli has received reports of increased crime levels in Libya during the recent unrest. British Nationals in Libya should ensure that their homes and possessions are secured and avoid non-essential travel, especially after dark.

There have been reports of attacks on company compounds in areas close to towns and cities. Companies with staff working in these compounds should make an evaluation of the security measures that they have in place and their level of supplies. If adequate security remains in place, workers may be safer remaining on site. If not, companies should consider leaving their compound and making preparations to move their staff out of Libya, if it is safe to do so.

Egypt
The FCO continue to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo (includes all four governorates of Cairo, Giza, Helwan, Alexandria and Suez.

This advice does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations. There are widespread strikes in Cairo and other towns and cities across Egypt. British nationals should observe instructions and advice by local security authorities and avoid public gatherings and disturbances.

According to latest information, Luxor & the Red Sea Resorts, including Sharm el Sheikh, are calm. However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly.
There is a nationwide curfew in place from 00:00 to 06:00 local time. You must respect the curfew and listen for announcements about any changes to the curfew requirements. The curfew is not being enforced in the Red Sea Resort area or in Luxor.

for the latest information . . . . .

1. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) click to link to their website
2. US State Department (USD) click to link to their website




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Original link from ALC Health - http://www.alchealth.com/

UK Immigration Alert

UK Immigration Alert - Statement of Intent published

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has today published its statement of intent. The statement of intent has revealed the following changes to take effect, subject to Parliamentary approval, after 6 April 2011:

Tier 2 (General)

From 6 April 2011 there will be an annual limit of 20,700 certificates issued.

4,200 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) will be available to sponsors in April but thereafter only 1,500 per month. These CoS will be re-named ‘restricted COS’.

To apply for a restricted CoS, sponsors will have to identify a vacancy and conduct a Resident Labour Market test first

The UKBA will then consider each application against points-based criteria which prioritises applications on the Shortage Occupation List and high-level research posts.

Applications for restricted CoS to be accepted from 16 March 2011 onwards

‘Unrestricted’ CoS will apply to those:

• With proposed salaries of £150,000 GBP or higher  
• Migrants already in the UK and extending their leave with the same employer, switching employers, or switching from a different category into Tier 2 (General)  
• Switching their status from Tier 1 (Post Study Work) and who have worked for the sponsor for 6 months

English language level will be increased from “basic” to “intermediate”

All jobs under Tier 2 (General) must be in an occupation on the UK Border Agency’s Graduate Occupation List

 Tier 2 (ICT): This immigration route will not be affected by the annual limits:

If the migrant is to be paid between £24,000 and £40,000 per year, then they will only be permitted to stay in the UK for a total of 12 months. They must then depart the UK and may not re-apply for Tier 2 (ICT) permission for a further 12 months.

Tier 1 (General):

 Will be closed to persons not already in the UK under Tier 1 (General) or its former routes

Will remain open to those migrants already in the UK under Tier 1 (General) and who seek to extend their stay.

(data received from Robinsons Relocation)

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Are you going to be working abroad in China or India?

Do you want to be connected to whats going on in these countries?

Then click on the below link for articles from The Economist.
http://www.economist.com/countries/India/index.cfm

Would you like to know more about Chinese or Indian culture or living and working abroad in China and India?

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