Expatriates are people who reside outside of their country of citizenship.

Commonly shortened to expats, the term often refers to professionals, skilled workers, or students from an affluent country. However, it can also refer to retirees, artists, or any individuals who have chosen to live outside their native country.

Historically, expatriates were often referred to as "exiles."

The term applies to those who reside temporarily or permanently in a country other than their home country. Distinct semantic nuances differentiate expatriates from migrants or immigrants, as these have different implications.

The term "expatriate" typically suggests a person who has moved abroad for work or other reasons and is often used to refer to a temporary stay. Expatriates commonly retain strong ties to their native country and may not intend to settle permanently in the host country.

On the other hand, a "migrant" is someone who moves from one place to another, often for better economic opportunities or living conditions. This term can apply to internal migration within a country or international migration. For example, those who moved to California to escape the Oklahoma Dust Bowl were migrants. People who follow the harvest season to work in agriculture are migrant workers even if they stay within their own country.

People who move to a foreign country intending to settle there permanently are called "immigrants." The term often carries legal and formal connotations related to residency and citizenship.

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, expatriates are often viewed as having a higher socio-economic status and more temporary intentions than migrants and immigrants.

Mother Teresa is an example of an expatriate and immigrant. Born in North Macedonia, she moved to India in 1929. She lived and worked there for nearly seven decades but did not become a citizen until 1950.

Expatriatism is not a new phenomenon. Several historical examples exist of merchants, missionaries, administrators, diplomats, and others who have resided for extended periods in countries other than their native country.

Modern concepts of expatriatism arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the emergence of global corporations and the demand for skilled professionals in international markets. During this time, expatriates became a distinct group, often living apart from native people in their host country.

Many expatriates move abroad for career advancement, lucrative job offers, or assignments with multinational companies. In the early 1990s, I was offered a job as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia. I would have been housed in a compound for foreign workers, and the pay and benefits were excellent, but I decided against it. Had I taken the job, I would have become an expatriate.

Others move to foreign countries seeking better living conditions, a more congenial climate, or improved healthcare or education. They may also desire to experience new cultures and lifestyles. People may also leave their home countries to escape war, political instability, crime, or economic distress.

Expatriates often gain valuable international experiences, a better understanding of different cultures, and the ability to converse in new languages. They may also enjoy improved living standards, healthcare, and education in their host countries.

However, adjusting to a new culture, language, and social norms can be challenging. Being away from family members, friends, and familiar places can lead to homesickness and loneliness.

Globalization, technological advancements, and shifting economies have influenced expatriation in recent years. The rise of remote work has allowed people to live as digital nomads, working from anywhere in the world without ties to a specific location.

Cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong have become major expatriate hubs due to their strategic locations, business-friendly environments, and high quality of life.

Retirees and families sometimes move to other countries to take advantage of more affordable or pleasant retirement conditions or provide their children with better educational opportunities.

Websites that focus on expatriates or expatriation, as well as those designed to appeal to expatriates, are appropriate for this category.

Recommended Resources

Search for Expatriates on Google or Bing