Moving overseas often entails discovering a new culture and way of life, but it also involves encountering a new religious environment. The contrast may be even more striking if you are relocating miles away from your home country. Whether you are a believer or not, you might need an adjustment period to understand the functioning and significance of religion in everyday life in your expat country. Furthermore, finding a place to practice your own religion amidst this whirlwind of new experiences is crucial.
Constitutional secularism
Some countries are founded on the principle of freedom of worship, such as the United States, which respects freedom of conscience and enforces the principles of separation between state and religion in its Constitution. Countries such as France, Belgium, and Portugal also recognize this separation in their Constitutions. However, if you are expatriating to Europe, be aware that countries like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have banned wearing full-face veils, such as the burqa and niqab, in public buildings. This ban also extends to schools, hospitals, and public transportation in the Netherlands. Germany is considering a partial ban limited to public buildings, while Italy (especially Lombardy and Veneto) has followed suit, even applies this ban to schools. Norway has also extended the ban to private institutions.
Regardless of your reasons for moving abroad, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the laws in your host country. Not all countries adhere to the separation between state and religion. According to the Pew Research Center, 43 countries have an official state religion, such as Islam in North African and Arabian Peninsula countries. In Asia, Bhutan and Cambodia are officially recognized as Buddhist countries. In several European countries, state religions prevail, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, and Malta, with Anglicanism, Lutheranism, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism, respectively. Religion is usually mentioned in the Constitution, and the head of state is required to adhere to the same faith. Other countries have adopted what is known as concordat systems. This includes Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, and Hungary, which recognize a status for the most representative religious communities of a country's population.
The same study also lists countries hostile to religions, such as China, Cuba, North Korea, and several former Soviet republics in Central Asia. In the case of China, although the government is atheist, freedom of worship is protected by law, and the Constitution safeguards religious practices. Five religions are officially recognized: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. However, spiritual practitioners represent a small portion of China's 1.4 billion population, most of whom declare themselves atheists.
Religious communities abroad
Whether you are Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Orthodox, or have any other religious affiliation and wish to practice your faith in your expat country, numerous countries accommodate religious and cultural communities different from their own, some for over 30 years. For example, the Francophone Catholic Community in Dubai welcomes its followers in two churches, Sainte Marie and Saint François d'Assise.
In Argentina, there is the Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) that can support you in maintaining contact with your culture and religion during your stay. If you are a Muslim and plan to settle in Japan, there is an association called Nippon Asia Halal, which is a cultural center/mosque that also houses a halal supermarket and café. These are just a few examples, but many opportunities exist for you to continue practicing your religion in your host country. Feel free to reach out to your place of worship and religious association in your home country to obtain valuable contacts before your departure.
However, in countries with a state religion, daily life is often influenced by the practice of that religion and its customs. This includes the call to prayer, temple offerings, purification rituals, adherence to the calendar for festive occasions, dietary traditions, and more. It is advisable to research the religious environment before your departure to avoid any surprises.
Choosing your expat country
If you have the opportunity to choose your expat destination, and religion is an integral part of your daily life, assess the circumstances under which you can freely practice your faith when planning your move. However, if you're moving abroad for work, you might not really have a choice. One crucial step would be gathering information about the everyday living conditions, applicable laws, and varying traditions, including the potential presence of a state religion. Consider aspects such as relationships, children, food, alcohol consumption, workplace rules, etc. Additionally, consult your employer, who can provide more information and assist you with certain administrative formalities.
As mentioned earlier, some countries host religious and cultural centers where you can find a community that can become a meeting place for prayer and socializing. Nonetheless, you should remain open-minded and be prepared to encounter cultural contrasts while demonstrating respect and tolerance.
Religious intolerance around the world
The latest report from the Observatory on Religious Freedom, published by ACN International in 2021, highlights a resurgence of religious intolerance since 2018 in certain countries worldwide. Out of a total of 196 countries, 62 are experiencing severe violations of religious freedom, and 26 are categorized as "red" due to persecution of religious minorities. This includes 12 African countries, Iran, Myanmar, India, and Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, non-Muslim places of worship and public declarations of non-Muslim beliefs are prohibited. Those who do not comply with these rules face discrimination, harassment, and, in some cases, imprisonment. Non-citizens can even be deported. However, some Christian and Jewish expatriates have been able to discreetly practice their faith regularly without attracting the attention of the government's religious police.
If you intend to move to Saudi Arabia (or any other country that denies the right to religious freedom), you will likely encounter numerous challenges, particularly with regard to Sharia law, the Islamic canonical law that governs political, religious, and social life. Evaluate the situation before taking the leap to avoid any issues that might arise. If you are an active member of a different religious community, your practice may be considered illegal. Besides, if you are traveling with your family, be aware that live-in relationships are not accepted in countries like Saudi Arabia, so you should formalize your marriage before leaving your home country. Moreover, if you are planning to enroll your children in a school, it's worth noting that only international private schools are allowed to teach religions and civilizations other than Islamic history.
In any case, reach out to your embassy, as they can provide information on current regulations and assist you in case of any issues. They will also be able to offer helpful advice and updates regarding the political and religious climate in your expat country.
