Latest news with #expats
Irish Times
6 hours ago
- General
- Irish Times
Two shot dead at Irish bar in Costa del Sol
Two people have been shot dead at a popular Irish bar in a Costa del Sol holiday resort. A masked man is said to have entered Monaghans Fuengirola and killed his victims in front of horrified tourists and expats enjoying a drink after the end of the Champions League final before fleeing in a getaway vehicle. A spokesman for the National Police in Malaga said two men died from gunshot wounds following an incident at about midnight. He said no arrests have yet been made but investigations are ongoing. READ MORE Pictures from the scene of last night's shooting show a man lying lifeless on his back in shorts and a t-shirt on an outside terrace at the Irish bar.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Argentina To Launch New Citizenship Program: Here's What You Need To Know
Overlooking the Buenos Aires skyline at sunset. Argentina is preparing to launch a new citizenship-by-investment program, drawing interest from expats and global investors. getty More and more Americans are dreaming of moving abroad. Whether it's to escape the current political situation, for better work-life balance or just the thrill of a new adventure, there's a booming demand for second passports and long-term visas. While some countries offer citizenship after years of residency, a handful will give you a passport in exchange for investment. Now, Argentina—one of the most affordable countries to live—is getting in on the action. The South American country is rolling out a new citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program that will help make it easier for foreigners to get citizenship there. According to Isabela Schrotke, research team lead at Nomad Capitalist, the program will require a minimum investment of $500,000 in sectors like technology, agribusiness, energy or tourism. It is expected to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026. 'The focus is on job-generating contributions—not real estate or donations,' Schrotke told me in an interview. 'Two executive decrees are being drafted to create a solid legal and administrative structure that avoids future court challenges.' Unlike Argentina's traditional path to naturalization—which requires two years of permanent residency—the new citizenship-by-investment route would offer investors a direct line to citizenship. And there's real value to being an Argentinian citizen: 'The lifestyle is culturally rich, affordable and has a strong European feel, especially in cities like Buenos Aires,' says Schrotke. A street scene in Palermo Hollywood, one of Buenos Aires' trendiest neighborhoods—known for its café culture and buzzing nightlife. getty Thanks to its café culture, walkability, thriving arts scene and European-style architecture, Buenos Aires often tops lists of the best cities in Latin America for expats. Outside the capital, regions like Mendoza and Bariloche also offer expat appeal. Another perk: 'Argentine citizenship gives you visa-free access to 172 destinations and the right to live and work in all Mercosur countries,' says Schrotke. The Mercosur countries include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. Plus, there are several other associated countries including Chile, Colombia and more. The launch of the program coincides with a broader economic transformation under President Javier Milei, who was elected in December 2023. In just over a year, Milei has lifted currency and capital controls, cut inflation and posted a budget surplus. "Argentina's past is turbulent, but current reforms are aimed at stability,' says Schrotke. 'Inflation is down, investor sentiment is improving and the program is part of a broader economic repositioning.' International Living correspondent David Hammond is enthusiastic about the new opportunity. 'So many times I've heard people say, if Argentina ever got its political and economic act together, it could rank among the best places in the world to live and invest,' Hammond wrote in a recent article. 'With reforms in place, financial barriers removed and international backing secured, this could be the most accessible and potentially profitable time to explore Argentina in decades.' Not everyone agrees. Jen Barnett, founder of Expatsi—which helps Americans find places to live abroad—is skeptical. 'I don't think Argentina is a safe choice in its current political climate that includes a recent incident where lesbians were set on fire, not to mention out-of-control inflation,' Barnett told me in an interview. 'We recommend Uruguay instead, which is a stable democracy that eliminated laws against homosexuality in 1934.' Taking in the natural beauty of Patagonia, one of Argentina's most awe-inspiring regions. With the soon-to-launch citizenship-by-investment program, the country is drawing new interest from nature lovers and investors alike. getty And Ted Baumann, chief of global diversification at International Living, calls Argentina's new approach a sharp pivot. 'Whereas before Argentina was relatively open to immigrants up and down the economic spectrum, now it appears to be narrowing those opportunities in favor of those with wealth and skills,' Baumann told me in an interview. Baumann says that Argentina will need to work hard to attract high-net-worth individuals, given its remote location and political unpredictability. 'There are numerous opportunities for people with half a million dollars to invest, and Argentina will have to compete hard to find its place in the CBI world,' he says. 'The country has great natural beauty and a European cultural flare. But it has two drawbacks from an international migration perspective. First, it's a long way from the centers of action. In terms of time zones, it's accessible to the U.S. East Coast, but anybody who needs to travel for business is going to have to get used to long haul flights if they settle there.' The political issue is much more consequential. 'Argentina has a history of significant sociopolitical and economic instability,'says Baumann. 'If the world goes into a global recession, Argentina could be hit hard.' And there are other issues to consider: 'Dual citizenship is allowed in Argentina without major restrictions. However, once naturalized, you are legally considered fully Argentine within the country, and the citizenship is permanent and cannot be renounced,' says Schrotke. 'This could carry legal or tax implications depending on your other nationality.' Whether this new program becomes a true game changer remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: For anyone dreaming of a new life abroad, Argentina is a country to watch. Golden hour in Mendoza's wine country—just one of the many regions that make Argentina a compelling destination for expats and investors. getty When will the program launch? Late 2025 is the earliest expected timeline, with early 2026 also a possibility depending on implementation. How much do I need to invest? A minimum of $500,000 in approved sectors such as technology, agribusiness, energy or tourism. Can I invest in real estate? No. The government has specifically excluded real estate and donations from qualifying investments. Do I need to live in Argentina? No residency is required under this program. That's one of the major differences from Argentina's traditional two-year path to citizenship. Does Argentina allow dual citizenship? Yes, but once you are naturalized, you are considered fully Argentine in the eyes of the law, and citizenship cannot be renounced. What are the risks? The country has longstanding oolitical and economic volatility, plus potential shifts in policy. And there are legal and tax implications tied to permanent citizenship status. Who is this program best for? Entrepreneurs and active investors looking to engage with Argentina's economy. It is not intended for remote workers or passive citizens.
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
These Countries Were Just Named Safer for Retirees Than the U.S.
Everyone deserves to feel relaxed, happy, and, most importantly, safe in their retirement years. After all, you've spent a lifetime working and saving, so now is your time to kick back and relax. And the experts at International Living made a new list to help you do just that. In May, the pros at International Living, which helps expats live their best lives all over the world, released their list of the safest places to retire in 2025. As the team shared in a statement with Travel + Leisure , the list is not ranked in any particular order, it simply presents the destinations that all performed well based on their analysis. As for how they came up with the list, International Living noted it created a combined score from its annual Global Retirement Index and the Global Peace Index to find the most peaceful places to retire. "When readers ask about safety abroad, the answer is almost always 'yes, it's safe'—if you choose the right place," Jennifer Stevens, the executive editor of International Living, shared. And it's certainly a list you can trust, as it also includes plenty of hands-on, lived-in experience. "Our international correspondents and regular contributors live in and regularly visit the places we recommend,' says Stevens. "If we don't feel a place is safe for a 'regular person' to go about their 'regular life' day-to-day, then we don't recommend that place.' Perhaps most interestingly of all, every single one of these destinations ranks (much) higher than the U.S. in the Global Peace Index, which ranked all the way down at No. 132 in the 2024 rankings. As for a few key spots that made International Living's list, unsurprisingly to me, Portugal made the list thanks to its place at No. 7 on the Global Peace Index list and No. 2 on International Living's Global Retirement Index. 'Violent crime is virtually unheard of,' Terry Coles, who has lived in Portugal for seven years, shared in International Living's report, a claim I can attest to as well as an immigrant here myself. 'There's a sense of security here that wraps around you like a warm blanket—steady, comforting, and always present.' Portugal's calm atmosphere and inclusive culture make it a reassuring haven for retirees. Also making its way to the list is Malaysia, which clocks in at No. 10 on the Global Peace Index list and No. 7 on International Living's Global Retirement Index. 'After 16 years in Malaysia, I can say this with confidence: I've never felt safer,' Keith Hockton, an expat living in Malaysia, noted. With a peaceful, multicultural society and low petty crime, 'safety here isn't about high fences or patrols. It's about cultural norms.' Most expats live worry-free lives in places like Penang and Langkawi. Costa Rica, another hot spot for retirement, also appears on this list. It holds a bit of a lower position on the Global Peace Index list at No. 38, but also holds the No. 3 spot on the Global Retirement Index, giving it an edge. 'I've never questioned my choice to raise my two children in Costa Rica,' Bekah Bottone, a resident since 2013, added. "I'm thankful my children have grown up on the beach, immersed in nature's playground. Life here is lived outdoors—relaxed, joyful, and connected to the environment.' Other key destinations include Ireland, No. 2 on the Global Peace Index and No. 15 on the Global Retirement Index; Vietnam, No. 41 on the Global Peace Index and No. 16 on the Global Retirement Index; and Uruguay, No. 52 on the Global Peace Index and No. 14 on the Global Retirement Index. See the full list and all the local insights at
Finextra
6 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Careem Pay launches international money transfers to Jordan
Careem Pay, the digital payments platform within the Careem app, expands its remittance service to Jordan, allowing UAE residents to send money directly to bank accounts in Jordan quickly and at competitive rates. 0 Careem Pay facilitates money transfers to some of the largest remittance corridors in the world, including India, Pakistan, the UK, Europe, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Egypt, providing a quick and simple way to support families, manage finances, or contribute to investments abroad. The UAE is home to a large Jordanian expat population, making Jordan one of the top recipients of remittances from the UAE. In recent years, annual remittances from the UAE to Jordan have exceeded USD 1 billion. Mohammad El Saadi, VP of Careem Pay, commented: 'Sending money home is one of the most meaningful things our customers do with Careem Pay. For many Jordanian expats, it's about supporting loved ones, covering school fees, or helping parents with everyday expenses. We wanted to make that process simpler, faster, and more affordable.' The launch comes in time for Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, when international money transfers from the UAE typically see a spike as people increase financial support to their families abroad for charitable purposes and Eid preparations. To celebrate the launch, first-time remittance users enjoy zero fees on their first two transfers to Jordan. Repeat customers can send up to AED 25,000 per transaction, with a fixed AED 10 fee on all transfers. Careem Plus members benefit from even greater savings, with zero fees on transfers above AED 1,500 and reduced fees on smaller amounts. Careem Pay's transfers to Jordan are completed within 24 hours on average, offering a speed that rivals traditional exchange houses. The service supports transfers in Jordanian Dinars directly via bank transfer to any valid IBAN. Careem Plus subscribers benefit from a wide range of exclusive perks across Careem services, including discounted rides, free delivery on food and groceries, and zero-fee remittance on eligible transfers. To send money to Jordan or any of the other available corridors, download the latest version of the Careem app and select 'Send Money' on the home screen.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Careem Pay launches international money transfers to Jordan
Jordan is one of the UAE's largest outbound remittance corridors, with the annual outbound flow averaging over $1 billion Dubai, UAE: Careem Pay, the digital payments platform within the Careem app, expands its remittance service to Jordan, allowing UAE residents to send money directly to bank accounts in Jordan quickly and at competitive rates. Careem Pay facilitates money transfers to some of the largest remittance corridors in the world, including India, Pakistan, the UK, Europe, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Egypt, providing a quick and simple way to support families, manage finances, or contribute to investments abroad. The UAE is home to a large Jordanian expat population, making Jordan one of the top recipients of remittances from the UAE. In recent years, annual remittances from the UAE to Jordan have exceeded USD 1 billion. Mohammad El Saadi, VP of Careem Pay, commented: 'Sending money home is one of the most meaningful things our customers do with Careem Pay. For many Jordanian expats, it's about supporting loved ones, covering school fees, or helping parents with everyday expenses. We wanted to make that process simpler, faster, and more affordable.' The launch comes in time for Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, when international money transfers from the UAE typically see a spike as people increase financial support to their families abroad for charitable purposes and Eid preparations. To celebrate the launch, first-time remittance users enjoy zero fees on their first two transfers to Jordan. Repeat customers can send up to AED 25,000 per transaction, with a fixed AED 10 fee on all transfers. Careem Plus members benefit from even greater savings, with zero fees on transfers above AED 1,500 and reduced fees on smaller amounts. Careem Pay's transfers to Jordan are completed within 24 hours on average, offering a speed that rivals traditional exchange houses. The service supports transfers in Jordanian Dinars directly via bank transfer to any valid IBAN. Careem Plus subscribers benefit from a wide range of exclusive perks across Careem services, including discounted rides, free delivery on food and groceries, and zero-fee remittance on eligible transfers. To send money to Jordan or any of the other available corridors, download the latest version of the Careem app and select 'Send Money' on the home screen. About Careem Careem is building the Everything App for the greater Middle East, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an awesome organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has created earning opportunities for over 3.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 75 million customers, and built a platform for the region's best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan. For media inquiries: Jasmine AlDameary
