Category Archives: relocation

New Membership Category

freelance consultants, committee reports and more

26th October 2019

As you may be aware, the ABRA Board focuses its efforts through dedicated committees for each theme: relocation, membership, events and communication. By bundling our strengths we are able to work more effectively and efficiently, however, it’s not just board members who drive our committees. Any ABRA member can join and even chair a committee. We are always seeking new insights and bright ideas on how we can move our association forward. Ideas such as the creation of our brand new membership category specifically for freelance relocation consultants.

new membership category

Defining Opportunities

in an era of globalisation, automation and accelerating change

by: Fiona Klomp

26th October 2019

With so many outstanding sessions and thought provoking speakers at this year’s EuRA conference, it wasn’t easy choosing one to feature. However, the session on identifying trends discussed important global meta trends and their impact on the mobility industry. Recurring themes throughout the conference included rising costs and dropping prices, the changing scope of work, the rising popularity of the lump sum relocation and systematic under-investment in technology. Moderator Francis Edmonds spoke with Bill Graebel, owner and CEO of Greabel Companies and Chairman and CEO of Dwellworks Bob Rosen to get their take on these issues.

from left to right: Bob Rosen, Bill Graebel and Francis Edmonds

Flatsharing with a Refugee #3

if not today, then surely tomorrow

by: Deborah Seymus

25th February 2019

Time is precious. For most of us probably so much so that it takes up a large amount of our lives. Making and planning our time for all sorts of things such as work, appointments, social occasions, ourselves and our partners, can be quite frankly, exhausting. Like no other people, the Flemish are masters at explaining why we really can’t meet for at least another three weeks because, well, our diaries simply won’t allow it.

Employers: Preparing for Brexit

which scenario, when and how

by: Andreia Ghimis

25th February 2019

We’d hoped January’s Brexit vote would finally deliver some clarity, but alas, nothing has changed. We find ourselves no closer to an answer than when ‘the people spoke’ back in the 2016 referendum. What is clear however, is that we need to prepare as best we can. As the withdrawal date of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU) is approaching, many companies are becoming increasingly worried about the impact this will have on their workforce and business in general.

Community Help Service

We’re here for anyone who wants to express themselves

by: Fiona Klomp

25th February 2019

In our fast-paced, ever-on society, people are struggling to cope more than ever before. We spend too much time glued to our screens and not enough with each other. Add to this the stress of moving to a new country and the ensuing culture shock, and it comes as little surprise that organisations like the Community Help Service, or CHS for short, are seeing a steady rise in requests for support. Offering a wide range of services, the non-profit organisation is a welcome resource for the English-speaking expatriate population of Belgium.

Pathways to a Competitive Future

for Brussels and Antwerp

by: Fiona Klomp

26th November 2018

Our two largest cities, Brussels and Antwerp, are the only two Belgian cities to feature among Europe’s top 50 economic centres. Brussels is our major gateway for international finance, investment and institutions, while Antwerp is our major port city with specialisms in logistics, manufacturing, diamonds, retail and business services. Each have their own unique strengths, but how do they compete on a global scale? And what exactly is it that makes a city competitive?

left: Antwerp
right: Brussels

Flatsharing with a Refugee #2

we should respect newcomers’ dignity

by: Deborah Seymus

26th November 2018

It’s safe to say Izat experienced culture shock when he arrived here. Many of our habits and customs are completely alien to him. When I got home after a trip to Italy, Izat had taken his desk out of his bedroom. A bit awkwardly it stood there, pushed into a corner of the living room.

Single Permit Update

Flanders introduces new policies on employment of foreign nationals

by:

26th October 2018

As a result of the 6th state reform in 2014, the legislative competence as regards the employment of foreigners has been transferred to the regional level. The regions have been empowered to develop their own policies on the employment of foreign workers in function of the specific needs of their labour market. Flanders is first amongst the three regions to introduce new policies in this area. Brussels might follow the example in the next legislature while the Walloon region seems not to prioritize this policy area. Fragomen met with the cabinet of Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister of Work, Economy, Innovation and Sports, this October and reports back on this topic.

Belgium through Expat Eyes

Expat Insider Survey 2017 - InterNations

by: Fiona Klomp

26th October 2018

How do expats experience life outside of the office in their adopted home countries? Expat network InterNations surveyed their membership on 43 individual factors that influence an expat’s experience. The survey delves into issues ranging from reasons for moving abroad to how easy it is to make friends in your adoptive country. Ranked in 65 expatriate destinations around the world, respondents were also asked to rate factors on a scale of one to seven. With over 12,500 respondents representing 166 nationalities and living in 188 countries or territories, the Expat Insider survey provides a unique insight into what life is like abroad. We wanted to know how Belgium fares on a global scale.

Home: physical place or mental state?

What makes a residence a home?

by: Fiona Klomp

19th April 2018

Home is where the heart is, the cliché tells us. But what is it that makes a residence a home? Each move presents us with the same challenge: turning this new place into a home. A place that is truly yours, somewhere you can really be yourself. We recognize our home immediately, but find it hard to express in words.

Article by Leen Creve (first published in ReLocate Winter 2014)

how to feel at home in belgium