You may or may not be aware that Facebook has groups all over the world that have been set up by foreigners, for expatriates. There are clusters in almost every capital city where migrants have moved. He is dedicated to providing all kinds of advice to people living abroad.
If you’re an expat interested in finding a group near you, type “expat” and the city, or country you’re interested in into your Facebook search bar. You should know that there are advantages and disadvantages to being a part of an expat group on Facebook. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Benefits of Joining an Expat Group on Facebook
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If you’ve just moved to a new city, a group dedicated to foreigners may be just what you need to get familiar with your new city. When you join one, you’ll be able to post and ask questions about anything that interests you. There are a lot of good things about expatriate groups on Facebook, some of which are:
1. You get useful information about the city
An expat group on Facebook usually provides useful information about the city you’ve arrived in.
You may have questions about the law, housing, prices, and the best restaurants to eat at. Most expatriate groups have a lot of members, especially if they’re based in a capital city, so when you ask a question, you’ll likely get a lot of answers.
2. Upcoming Events
When you move to a new city, chances are there are a lot of happenings happening around you, but you might not be aware of them. Some expats like to share news about what’s happening in their neighborhood, information about concerts, job-seeker fairs, galleries opening, and even farmers’ markets. This can be a fun way to become familiar with your new neighborhood.
3. You become more aware of dangers
Many expatriate groups share information about potential threats and malicious activities in their city. Many also share information about scams. For example, they can share information about criminals, robbers, or potential hazards in the neighborhood. Because these groups are large, sharing useful information about them can help other people know what’s out there.
4. You can get emergency advice
Most of the time, people use expat groups to ask for advice. Migrants love to share their experiences and provide recommendations, such as where people can get access to lawyers, where to find locksmiths, or how to file a police report.
If you join a migrant group, you can expect to receive information about the law, government policies, what to do in times of crisis, and your rights if something bad happens. You will also be able to ask questions about the types of documents needed to apply for a visa, for example residency, and other information related to living in your new city.
5. You get information about real estate
Expatriate groups can also provide you with information about housing, such as flats and housing laws. Many expats use groups to let people know about potential changes to tenant laws. These can include things like rent increases, legal loopholes, and your legal rights when it comes to reporting defects or deficiencies.
6. Lost and Found Post
If you are part of an expatriate group, you are likely to come across some lost and found posts. Many expat groups have a community and neighborhood focus, so if you miss something, you can ask the group to help spread the word. Similarly, if you find a lost dog or cat, you can use the group to spread awareness.
7. Job Information
While expatriate groups are not there to post job advertisements, they do provide advice about your rights as an employee. There are often FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) sections on the group’s page where you can find work and career related information.
Some groups may include information on working visas, notice periods, non-discrimination policies, HR, and other useful material so that you are fully aware of your rights in your new country.
Disadvantages of Joining an Expatriate Group
While there are many good things about joining an expat group on Facebook, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Always keep in mind that everything you read in an expatriate group should be double checked.