The prospect of moving to China has all but lost its appeal thanks to the Covid-19 outbreak. This new opinion is the repercussion of the virus originated in the Chinese province of Wuhan. Controversy has spurred more than just a negative international perception of the country but has sparked genuine racial intolerance for Chinese nationals living abroad. While there is no logical doubt that China remains an exceptional choice for relocation, the lingering stigma of the viral outbreak dampens the option for many of us.
Genuine Concerns
When it comes to potentially immigrating to China, the question is no longer a simple matter of the best health insurance in China for expats. Although many may consider it a rather critical consideration, or whether or not China offers the best educational opportunities for our children. The hard-hitting reality is that people are genuinely scared for their families’ health and wellbeing. However, it is vital to consider the near-immediate action taken by the Chinese government following the outbreak. At the same time, many other regions showcased slow reaction time; China imposed lockdowns and heightened health and safety measures almost instantly. That said, unlike every other area around the world, China deserves praise as officials were also tasked with handling the outbreak without recommendations from previously hit countries.
Political Unrest
The informed reader may also be aware that the political climate in China is one of considerable tension with rebel uprisings occurring while disconcertingly receiving no media coverage. The thing is, and this is coming from the objective vantage of an African national, there is quite a bit more to be concerned about to the west. There’s no doubt that every region around the world is currently enduring its very own unique political unrest surpassing the Covid19 outbreak.
As An Alternative To The West
This does not automatically override concerns about living in China; it’s just that it may be considerably safer than a move across the Atlantic. It is, therefore, in the spirit of objectivity that we take a closer look at the prospect of Chinese immigration as a viable and potentially beneficial prospect.
Expat Opinions
Foreign nationals working in China have shared their personal opinions regarding the current conditions in China. The most frequent statement confirms that much of the media reported hysteria was not as intense as the rest of the world assumed.
The Measures Taken Locally
Foreign expats have also delved into the details about the lockdown measures, which were strictly imposed but also pointed out the alternative, or a lax approach to lockdown would have been disastrous. Furthermore, various expats also pointed out that even during the lockdown, they were able to continue working.
Having Chosen To Remain In China
Many expats had been offered the opportunity to return to their native regions but turned this down in favour of remaining in China. The impressive reason being a sense that the Chinese authorities were far more proactive in tackling the outbreak and its social ramifications than what they anticipated finding at home.
An Opinion Reiterated
The views that we garnered were corroborated by a handful of additional foreigners either currently residing in China or planning on returning as soon as possible. The truth of the matter is that no country has gone unscathed. For all the bile directed at China for the outbreak, we can by no means say with certainty that any other government would, or indeed could have handled the situation any better.
Are There Prospects?
Having done extensive research on the viability of China as a destination to consider when immigrating, we decided to do some homework on whether there were in truth any tempting prospects awaiting the willing expat. This is by no means a question with an easy answer at this stage, but we can say that opportunities are no worse than any European, African or West Asian countries.
Ripe With Potential
The world is still emerging from an economic standstill. While all bets may be off as to the economies that will appear on top as a new global economic paradigm takes shape, China does have a good deal in its favour. A production powerhouse with state financial state backing and a frankly massive, if not well-compensated labour force.
Deserving Consideration
It is with the many factors kept in mind, as well as a realistic and objective, albeit cautious perspective, that we can recommend at very least considering China as a prospective destination for immigration.
As far as Covid-19 goes, the most dangerous place to be is pretty much on the opposite side of the globe. In terms of a realistic projection for its economic future, it is not unreasonable to assume that China will emerge amongst the more successful global economies.
