I grew up in a place with few good job opportunities and if you were a woman, there were practically none. I used to joke that the only options for a woman are to either become a dependent of some husband or other for all of eternity or to become a nun or to leave. So I left.
As it turns out, all of my friends I met along the way were in similar situations. For one reason or another, they had to leave. The reasons sound all too familiar: lack of opportunity, poverty, sexism, racism or any other garden variety persecution.
Sidenote: Did you know that passports as we know them have only been in existence for a little over 100 years?
Watching the news and looking around me, I feel that many places fall back into a hole that resembles the places where my friends have come from: war in Ukraine; misogyny, racism and a broken democracy in the United States of America; over 70% inflation in Argentina; genocide in China; oppression in Russia… the list goes on. People are in danger.
If I lived in any of these countries, I’d be on my way out – and I understand that this is a big task. Some countries don’t allow their citizens to leave. You read correctly: you are locked up inside your own country. The country simply does not give you an “exit visa” and you can’t leave. After all, you “belong” to the country just like a slave belongs to the slave owner. Other people are already fleeing a war zone as refugees, in which case I’d suggest you keep going and I wish you all the best.
For all others who live in a country headed towards dictatorship, I recommend you work towards a way out. Even small actions matter to ensure you have a chance to live a long, happy and fulfilling life.
So let’s look at what’s needed.
For starters, if you are young enough then you may get visas based on age. There are plenty of countries who are willing to let you in – at least temporarily – if you are young and can contribute to their society. Check visa options for your favorite destinations and see what they can offer and apply. If you don’t apply, it will never happen. What do you have to lose? Or better: What do you have to gain?
Next, I’d always suggest getting educated to a level where it is easier to move to another country. Many visa processes look at how you would fit into their system. One factor which will give you “brownie points” to entry is education. The thinking is that higher education equates to more contribution to GDP. Again, check visa options for places you’d like to live in. You may even find that you are eligible for a student visa. Give it a go and see what happens.
Keep in mind that education is not limited to ivy league establishments. It can cover everything including apprenticeships, online learning and even experiences you gain when volunteering. Every action you take to learn more will help you in the long run.
Of course, if you already have a job, especially in international organizations, you could work towards being moved to another country. I’ve worked with expats and most were grateful for the opportunities.
Sometimes you don’t even need to change countries. Sometimes it’s enough to move to another region or state. For example in the USA or Switzerland, each region / state can have (some) different rules. Could that work for you?
I hope you can see the thinking of countries: if they can get something out of you and if you make it easy for them to see that, then they are more likely to let you in. So, please, make it easy for them to see you as a benefit to their country.
Alternatively, Forbes suggests that you can buy citizenship in a country and live there. If you are lucky enough to have the funds, good on you. If not, then Forbes also has an article on an Italian village paying you to move there. Over the last few years, some countries, such as Italy, have come up with ideas to attract people so that their rural communities can survive. Look around online and find your perfect location in the sun.
Whatever may happen, if the rules in your place don’t suit you, then please do whatever it takes to stay safe. I’m thinking abortion, women’s and LGBTQ+ healthcare in the USA in particular. Please, think of your (existing or potential) children and also of yourself first and foremost! Think critically about where you want to live.
Go for it and get out!