A new radio service for expats has been launched on the internet. Expatsradio is a recently re-launched online radio station available to people worldwide which provides information and entertainment for the expat community.

The radio station’s founder, Pater Anstis, originally formed a test website for the concept around five years ago. The online radio audience was a lot smaller then so Peter made various changes to the site and then re-launched it earlier this year.

The site is popular with expats from all over the world and currently has on average 1000 visitors per day. One of the most popular broadcasts is the language classes. The wide range of programmes offered also includes cookery classes, news, financial advice, interviews with famous people as well as region-specific features. The fact that the radio station isn’t live means that people can choose what they want to listen to at any time of day when it is convenient for them.

Peter Anstis believes that people tune in to the station because many expats can feel lonely and isolated and therefore appreciate the chance to feel connected with other people in a similar position, having a similar experience. There are big plans for the site with the development of iphone applications and online videos as well as facebook and twitter feeds.

For more information, log on to www.expatsradio.com.

If you are moving to Russia, you maybe affected by the new customs regulations concerning the importation of household goods. From the 1^st July 2010, all household goods shipments entering the country on a temporary basis (for example for expats about to embark on a temporary assignment) will be liable for customs duty. Previously, these shipments had been exempt under temporary import regulations.

Household goods will be treated as commercial good and therefore be liable to customs duties and taxes. The current tax will be calculated on a weight basis with a minimum of 4 EUROS per kilogram (after the first 50kg).  

The new regulations are being enforced by the Federal Customs Service in Russia and apply to all household items apart from a list of 21 items. The list of exceptions includes jewellery, baby pushchairs / strollers, camera (limited to one), TV (limited to one), wheelchairs, medical equipment, sports accessories, car safety seat among other items.

There are also changes to regulations concerning the importation of alcohol and spirits. Over 5 litres will require special permission, less than this can be brought in for personal use.

The changes are a result of the recent creation of the Customs Union at the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) Summit. The Customs Union is a three party arrangement between Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus to create a united customs territory and a single market.

British newspapers are currently reporting on supposed divisions within the UK Coalition Government over the migration cap which is due to be introduced in April 2011. David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May have both made it clear that they wish to cut immigration levels to the ‘tens of thousands rather than the hundreds of thousands’ and believe that the level should return to a similar number as was seen in the 1990s. However, in a recent radio interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Business Secretary Vince Cable argued the case for more flexibility with regard to the level of immigrants accepted. The business case for flexibility within the migration cap is that multinational companies should be able to have the freedom to post employees on internal transfers in order to best respond to the needs of the company. Although Vince Cable states that he does not oppose the cap, he feels that it is necessary to put forward the point of view of many UK and international businesses.

It was evident before the General Election that the Conservatives were determined to reduce the level of immigration to the UK. It was a key agreement with the Liberal Democrats that migrant numbers were to be cut although the Liberal Democrats favoured a more flexible arrangement.

The migration cap, which is due to be implemented in April next year after a consultation, is not yet known. British Prime Minster David Cameron refuses to speculate on the scale of the reduction in numbers at the moment. A consultation is due beforehand to decide the level of the cap whereby numerous bodies will be consulted. For example, the Indian Government will be consulted in order to assess the impact of a migration cap on UK – India trade relations. The outcome of the consultation is due in September of this year.

There is currently a temporary migration limit in place which has been in force since the 16^th July 2010. This was imposed in order to prevent a flood of applications for residency before the cap is imposed next year. The temporary cap is expected to reduce the number of arriving immigrants by 5%. There are presently exceptions to the temporary migration cap including international transfers within multinational companies, religions minister and elite sportsmen and sportswomen.

The Home Office has published ideas for further proposals with regard to the future of the UK migration system in a Consultation Paper. A suggestion was made of giving more points to non-EU migrants who choose to take out private medical insurance. A further proposal involved doing more to help and encourage Tier 1 applicants. Tier 1 applicants are classed as ‘highly skilled and / or highly educated’ people who would be of most benefit to the UK and who are likely to contribute a great deal to the UK economy. Examples of people in Tier 1 include investors, innovators, entrepreneurs, successful businesspeople, writers, composers, artists and other skilled people who do not need a job offer to come to come to the UK.

With regard to the impact on international removals, a migration cap for non-EU migrants would no doubt impact the moving industry. Restricting migration flows will inevitably reduce the number of international moves inbound for the UK.

The migration cap will also of course mean that is more difficult to move to the UK and will therefore affect people considering moving to the country in the future.

John Mason International’s overseas agents in Brazil have advised that Brazil’s main container port, the Port of Santos, is currently experiencing increased volumes of traffic which is leading to customs clearance delays for import and export shipments. All consignments are physically checked at the port by the Brazilian Customs Agency and there currently aren’t enough customs officers at the port to deal with the higher volume. The port does not have scanners which would usually speed up the process.  

If you presently have a shipment which is inbound for Brazil, it may take slightly longer than usual for your consignment to clear customs as a result of the above. For further information, please contact your International Move Manager.

In a recent article in The Australian newspaper, Australian government advisors expressed their opinions on the ongoing Big Australia debate. The article, entitled ‘Reject Little Australia: PM Advisors’ which was published on the 22^nd July, announces the views of three key government advisors. Many people considering moving to Australia may be interested in this debate and the subsequent consequences which a possible population cap would have on immigration levels.

The debate currently centres on conflicting views of the general, mainly city dwelling public who are concerned about about urban congestion and business leaders and economists who believe that robust immigration is needed for economic growth. City inhabitants are also concerned about rising house prices, pressure on resources such as electricity and water and increasingly lengthy commutes to work which many people claim is due to unsustainable population increase. The current population growth rate in Australia stands at 2%.

There is a consensus of opinion between the government advisors quoted in The Australian newspaper. All three interviewed agree that population growth should be encouraged or else face potential ‘dangerous’ consequences for the country. Glen Withers, a Population Economist and Rod Eddington from Infrastructure Australia both commented on the need for healthy immigration numbers. Rod Eddington pointed out that migration is one of the reasons that Australia has grown to be a successful nation. He also pointed out that immigration is needed in order to bring skilled workers into the country and that ‘the hunt for talent is a global hunt’.

Peter McDonald from the Australian Demographic and Social Research Institute has stated that he feels migrants are being used as a ‘scapegoat’ for government failures and favours a high immigration level also.

The debate is one of the principal issues in Australian politics at the moment and is a divisive issue among voters in the next federal election due to take place in August of this year. The challenge for the next Australian government will be to balance the need for immigration with the resulting pressures on infrastructure and resources in certain highly populated ideas. This may result in a serious examination and reform of urban planning in Australia.

The Institute of Public Policy and Research (IPPR), a government think tank, have recently published a report entitled ‘Global Brit: Making the most of the British Diaspora’. The study examined the current situation with regard to British emigrants’ perception of Britain, for example, the degree of emotional attachment a British expat still has with their home country. The report also made recommendations concerning engagement with the British emigrant community including ideas for how to improve the present situation.

Many governments around the world understand the power of their overseas populations and use them as assets. This has benefits for the emigrants and also for the home country in terms of pursuing progressive, internationalist goals. The study puts forward a case for the UK government to take ‘diaspora engagement’ more seriously as it is currently an underused asset according to the authors of the report. It is argued the British expat population can act as ‘informal ambassadors’ for the country, using ‘soft power’ to promote the UK abroad, albeit that they would mostly be unaware that they are doing this. Increasing attachment to the UK and encouraging a feeling of national pride would foster this ‘informal ambassador’ attitude.

The analysis recognised six categories of Britishness, ranging from ‘Matter of fact Britishness’ (i.e. ‘I am British as that’s what is on my passport’) to emotional Britishness (i.e. sense of pride in being British). Each category had varying degrees of attachment to the UK via various channels including friends, family and UK TV services avaliable abroad such as the BBC.

The study also found that the type of people who emigrate from the UK tend to be adventurous risk takers who have a strong desire to broaden their horizons. The account also reported that British expats tend to be better educated and more highly skilled than the rest of the UK population.

All of John Mason International’s drivers achieved the Driver CPC qualification last year in line with recent legislation. From the 10^th September 2009, all professional lorry and van drivers must obtain the Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification in order to legally drive in a professional capacity within the EU. This is in addition to the vocational driving licence.

The introduction of the Driver CPC via EU Directive 2003/59, aims to improve road safety as well as developing driving skills and keeping skills and driver awareness knowledge continually up to date. Reviews of the Driver CPC are to be undertaken every five years or on a continual basis so that 35 hours of training is completed within five years.

Recruitment experts have commented that this year’s FIFA World Cup may have increased international relocation to South Africa. The World Cup has brought a new worldwide interest in South Africa as the nation was generally regarded by the rest of the world as efficient and friendly hosts. International press focussed on the wave of optimism, national pride and self esteem throughout the country and recognised the efforts of the country to attempt to remove negative impressions of South Africa. This renewed patriotism is likely to have subsequent effects on emigration patterns and trends. In particular, the World Cup has had an impact on many South Africans living abroad who are now feeling homesick and want to return home.

In the past decade or so, South Africa experienced an exodus of talented professionals in finance, economics and information technology. These skilled migrants emigrated in search of better job prospects and also partly due to concerns over crime in certain areas of South Africa. It now appears, however, that this trend may now be reversed.

Recruitment consultants have reported that there has been an increase in skilled migrants returning to South Africa over the past year and a half. Although this is party due to the global downturn leading to redundancies in the financial sector, this was not the primary motivator for most people. Enthusiasm for South Africa and a desire to get involved in the development of their home country were also key factors involved in the decision to emigrate.

The South Africa Homecoming Revolution reported an increase in the number of enquiries during the World Cup. The Homecoming Revolution is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation which encourages South African nationals to return home from overseas destinations. The organisation also provides assistance for people re-settling in the country including advice on property and employment. Its aim is to resolve the South African skills shortage to aid the economy. During a Homecoming Revolution meeting in March of this year in London, over 60% of attendees stated that they already had flights booked to return home.

The John Mason Fundraising Committee recently held a Strawberry Tea to raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Care. The event was held at John Mason International’s Head Office in Liverpool last Wednesday during lunch hour.

During the Strawberry Tea, a variety of cakes were sold along with strawberry trifles, scones with strawberry jam, strawberries and cream and tea and coffee. Everyone attending participated in a ‘Fruit Quiz’ which involved questions such as ‘which country did the strawberry originate from’ and true and false facts about strawberries which was enjoyed by all. Further donations were raised with a Strawberry Tea raffle.

The event raised over £140 pounds for Breast Cancer Care. Breast Cancer Care is an organisation which provides support to anyone affected by breast cancer including practical and emotional support. The charity also campaigns for healthcare improvements related to breast cancer. More information on Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea can be found here:  http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/get-involved/in-your-community/strawberry-tea-2010/

In most cases, you container will be available for delivery to your residence a few working days after the date that the vessel arrives at the port. The exact timings depend on how long it takes for H M Customs & Excise to release the container. In any case, your move co-ordinator will contact you as soon as it has been released to make arrangements for delivery.

Customs Clearance

Delivery is organised as soon as Customs Clearance is completed as the shipping line only allow limited free time for containers to remain at the destination port. It is necessary that the container is moved off the quay within the time scales issued by the shipping line in order to avoid additional charges (demurrage / quay rent) being levied.

Container Unloading & Unpacking

The container will be transported to your residence by the shipping line and we will supply the staff to offload the items from the container and place them inside your home. The shipping line only allows a limited period for the container to be offloaded at your residence before charges are levied so priority will be given to the offloading and we will then concentrate on the unpacking process.

Access and Parking

It is most important that we are made aware of any issues that might delay the offloading of the container e.g. a long carry from where the container can legally park to your residence, parking issues / restrictions (which are particularly relevant to deliveries within the London area), and restricted access to the property. To have parking restrictions lifted can take up to seven working days and this should be taken into consideration when planning your delivery requirements.   

House Layout

It would also help if you can have a clear plan in your mind as to which room the individual items of furniture are to be placed in and ensure that all hallways / corridors are cleared for the purpose.

If access to your property involves the use of an elevator, it will be necessary to speak with the caretaker / janitor to ensure that we have sole access to the elevator during the course of the offloading into your residence.

Furniture will be unpacked and placed according to your requirements. Cartons will be unpacked to your order and the contents will be placed on available flat surfaces for inspection.

Maid Service

In most cases, your contract will include for items to be put away into cupboards / drawers / wardrobes etc. However, if required, we can organise for a ‘maid service’ where we will arrange for our associates to send in a team on a date to be agreed with you, after the delivery has taken place, and they can wash and dry crockery and places items away according to your instructions.  

Re-assembly of Furniture

Any standard freestanding furniture such as beds and wardrobes that have been dismantled will be re-assembled by our own staff but if any re-assembly requires specialists (such as carpenters for example), resulting costs would be additional and would be for your account – unless these have been specifically quoted for.

Waste Packing Materials

Waste packing materials will be removed by the crew at the time of delivery for recycling. If you wish to do some of the unpacking yourself, waste packing materials can be disposed of locally. We do not require packing materials to be returned to us.