Category Features

Qatar National Day 2022 – 10 Qatar Facts You Didn’t Know About The Country

Ashraf Vachhiat
December 16, 2022

Want to know more about Qatar? We have a bunch of interesting facts you probably didn't know, so get learning about this ever-growing state.

Saudi Labour Law Changes Gives Expats More Freedom

Ashraf Vachhiat
November 16, 2021

With major changes being implemented in the Saudi Arabian employment market over the last few years, things have got increasingly more difficult for expats living there. New changes however are taking steps towards making life a little simpler for their foreign workforce.

Did Apostille Figures Drop in 2020? – Official Statistics

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 5, 2021

Due to the travel restrictions, lockdown measures and widespread reductions in workforces across the globe for the majority of the year, you would be forgiven for assuming that the need for Apostilles would have dropped drastically in 2020. We requested official figures from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and compared them to our own customer data, to see what it revealed.

Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2020

Ashraf Vachhiat
December 17, 2020

Christmas time is almost here, so we wanted to let you know about our opening times over the festive period.

Travel updates from July 1st – Where you can travel abroad

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 28, 2020

Flights from the UK will expand in number and destinations from the beginning of July. With two of the largest European airlines resuming their flights from the 1st, as well as quarantine measures being dropped in the most popular tourist hot spots, we will certainly see a rise in holiday makers travelling overseas this summer.

Lockdown – Has it put people off travel and relocation?

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 14, 2020

Being in lockdown has affected everyone differently. With many people working from home, some people furloughed and others still on the front line, everyone has had to adapt. As travel restrictions have remained in place also, most holidays have been cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future, but do people still want to travel after going through this pandemic, or has it put people off international travel and relocation completely?

Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2019

Ashraf Vachhiat
December 16, 2019

Christmas time is almost here, so we wanted to let you know about our opening times over the festive period.

Residence Visas for the Middle East – Signs the Freeze Has Begun to Thaw

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 23, 2019

Last month, we published an article in response to many news stories which had began to circulate regarding the changes in residence visas, and how this could potentially affect expats in the Middle East.

The Middle Eastern Visa Freeze – How will this affect Expats?

Ashraf Vachhiat
April 18, 2019

Over the past few years, momentum has grown towards the nationalisation of job markets across the GCC and other parts of the Middle and Far East. This is intended to cut unemployment levels for nationals as well as improve prospects in higher paid positions. Which countries are attempting to reduce expat worker numbers, and how will this affect those wishing to work overseas in these nations?

Neom – Saudi’s Expat Capital of the Future?

Ashraf Vachhiat
March 28, 2019

In the first quarter of 2019, Saudi Arabia's new mega-city named Neom, or "The Red Sea Project", commenced construction. The vision of Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this new centre of commerce and high-end tourism covers over 10, 000 square miles. With the aim to establish Neom as a hotspot for business, expats and tourists from across the globe, what will this mean for those wishing to travel there?

Philippines Enters The Hague Apostille Convention

Ashraf Vachhiat
February 14, 2019

On 14th May 2019, the Philippines will become an effective member state of the Apostille Agreement, part of the Hague Convention. This will mean that for many people wishing to legalise documents for use in the Philippines, the current process of seals and red ribbons applied by the Embassies worldwide will be a thing of the past. How will this affect those wishing to relocate or conduct business within the country?

Chinese New Year 2019 – Embassy Closures

Ashraf Vachhiat
January 31, 2019

The 5th of February 2019 marks the beginning of Chinese New Year. During this period, there will be some temporary closures of government departments, with the Chinese Embassy in London closed on the 4th and 5th of February to signify…

Qatar Backs Draft Law for Permanent Residencies

Ashraf Vachhiat
June 1, 2018

A new law which would allow non-Qataris to apply for permanent residence has moved forward another step. The changes were first mentioned last August, but have come closer to fruition this week as the Advisory Council approved the new legislation.

Be Prepared for Delays Around Eid ul-Fitr 2018

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 30, 2018

Being prepared for the closures around Eid in June will save a lot of stress for any soon-to-be expats dealing with governmental departments, at the Embassy in either their home country or in the destination country.…

World Museum Day – Some of the Most Unique Museums Across the World

Ashraf Vachhiat
May 18, 2018

In 1977, the International Council of Museums adopted May 18th as World Museum Day. The celebration is meant to bring focus to the hundreds of thousands of museums all over the globe, encouraging people through their doors to enjoy something new and aid the museums in keeping their displays open and accessible to the public.