The risks and limitations associated with COVID-19 made many expats rethink their living situations because many of the perks of expat living were affected. Ease of travel was almost eliminated – something which most expats rely on to visit friends and family in their home country. Social gatherings vanished and isolation became unavoidable while living in lockdown.
Many expats missed ‘home’ and felt worried for their families – especially older or more vulnerable family members who are at higher risk of the adverse effects of coronavirus. The need to be close to them became more important than ever.