Luxembourg: Misconceptions on Social Media & realities !!!

Best Khabar Team | २०८२ श्रावण ३ गते शनिबार

Many of you may have heard of Luxembourg, a small country in Europe but one of the richest countries in the world. Those of you outside Nepal may have heard a lot about this country. But if you are inside Nepal and are forming your opinion about Luxembourg by looking at social media, you have heard and seen a lot of ‘fake’ propaganda that is more misleading than reality and far from the truth. Especially among Nepalese living in Nepal and Asian countries, more negative and misleading news about Luxembourg has been spread than the truth.

If you search for Luxembourg on various internet platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, you will find unnecessary propaganda that goes far beyond reality.

Various social media and websites are being used to create false advertisements and propaganda about Luxembourg, which is a sight to behold. In particular, Indian social media users are spreading unnecessary propaganda. And now, learning from this, various types of propaganda are being spread about Luxembourg on social media in Nepal as well. There is more lies than truth in those materials.

In the past few years, incidents have been made public in which human traffickers from Nepal and other Asian countries, using the name of Luxembourg, smuggled hundreds of citizens to various European countries and abandoned them there before they reached their destination.

Especially after the havoc of Corona, thousands of Nepalese have dreamed of Luxembourg and paid millions of rupees to brokers, but the story of those who did not arrive in Luxembourg is unique.

Most of those who came from Nepal on Schengen visas to Luxembourg are still living in Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Malta, Poland, Portugal and Spain. While some of them have started the paperwork process, others are facing difficult situations.

Geographical location of Luxembourg

Bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the west and north, and France to the south, Luxembourg, a beautiful country in Europe, covers a total area of 2,586 square kilometers. Although it is a landlocked country like Nepal in terms of geography, Luxembourg is approximately 55.5 times smaller in terms of area than Nepal.

Luxembourg is the sixth smallest country in Europe, while European countries smaller than Luxembourg include Vatican City, Monaco, Saint-Marie, Liechtenstein, Malta, and Andorra.

According to the European Union’s 2024 statistics, Luxembourg’s population is 672,050. Luxembourg is also known as one of the safest countries in the world. Although it is a constitutional monarchy (Grand Duchy), i.e. a country with a king, executive power is vested in the head of government. The Prime Minister exercises this power.

There are a total of 4 constituencies, 12 administrative cantons and 105 communes (municipalities). 12 cantons have been given city status. There are only 3 prisons in Luxembourg, mainly in the country. Listed as a European Capital of Culture, there are more than 130 historic castles throughout Luxembourg. The English months of May to September, which usually receive a lot of rain, are considered the summer season in Luxembourg. After September, the weather becomes colder and the rain is more consistent. Snow usually falls here from mid-November to the second week of February.

Residence of citizens of 180 countries

Despite being a small country, Luxembourg is home to citizens from 180 countries, according to government figures. This means that 53 percent of the total population is made up of immigrants. The largest number of them are Portuguese citizens. Apart from that, French, Belgian, German and Italian citizens come in second, third and fourth place respectively. The number of citizens from South Asian countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines and others is also mentioned. It is said that the number of Nepalese living in Luxembourg is around 700. Most Nepalese are living in Luxembourg with their families, while many have their own businesses.

Similarly, 5,000 to 8,000 Indian citizens are also residing in Luxembourg. The number of immigrants coming here has been increasing in recent years, as skilled workers and those who know the language have more employment opportunities.

The first country in the world to make public transport free

Luxembourg is the first country in the world where public transport is free.

Since February 29, 2020, the government has made trains, public buses, and electric trams free of charge across the country. Tourists also do not have to pay a fee while traveling. Some public transport services have been providing free services to certain areas of neighboring countries. Hundreds of well-equipped trains, buses, and trams are continuously providing free services to millions of citizens here from early morning to midnight. The Luxembourg government has made the transportation management here very convenient and organized. Well-equipped public transport – buses, trains, and trolleybuses – are operating smoothly not only in the cities and villages of Luxembourg but also in most parts of neighboring countries, Belgium, Germany, and France.

The government here is encouraging its citizens to use public transport rather than private vehicles. In order to get rid of unnecessary traffic jams, preserve greenery, and reduce environmental pollution, the government has made public transport free of charge since 2020. These are providing uninterrupted service from city squares to village streets.

What is even more interesting and surprising is that any tourist and passenger coming to Luxembourg is free from the obligation to pay expensive taxi and private vehicle fares, whether after landing at the airport or while going to the airport from home. In this country, where one-third of the total area of the country is covered with forests and greenery, the impact of air pollution is not much visible due to this far-sighted plan of the government.

Countries with the highest minimum wage in the world

Luxembourg is the country that pays the highest minimum wage in the world. Effective from January 2025, this country will pay any person over the age of 18 a salary of 2,637 euros and 35 cents for working full-time within the country for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. This is the basic salary (approximately 412,000 Nepalese rupees). Income tax and other social taxes are deducted from it and the remaining amount is deposited in the account. Which comes to around 2,300 (approximately 359,000 Nepalese rupees). However, this amount may increase or decrease depending on the status of the worker, the number of families, etc. This is the minimum wage for unskilled workers. The level of unskilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers is divided according to the skill and ability of the worker and employee, and the monthly salary scale increases accordingly.

The richest country in the world

According to data released by the International Monetary Fund in 2024, Luxembourg is the richest country in the world in terms of per capita income. After Luxembourg, Macau is the second richest country and Ireland is the third. Its per capita income is $155,910.

Luxembourg has consistently been on the list of the world’s richest countries for the past few years. In 2024, its passport was ranked as the third most powerful in the world.

Half of the workers come from bordering countries.

More than half of the workers in Luxembourg are permanent residents of bordering countries. According to one statistic, as of December 2024, 69,000 workers from neighboring France, 40,000 from Belgium, and 39,500 from Germany were crossing the border to work in Luxembourg daily.

Government offices have mentioned in their bulletins that a few thousand workers have been added to this figure this year. They have chosen to live across the border as their housing costs are cheaper in neighboring countries such as France, Belgium and Germany than in Luxembourg.

Cross-border workers say that workers have no difficulty working in Luxembourg from these countries, as transportation is available regularly and on time, barring any technical issues.

3 official languages

Luxembourg has three official languages. French, Luxembourgish, and German are the official languages. However, Luxembourgish is used in the parliament and laws are written in French. In addition, Portuguese is also widely spoken, as most of the immigrants are Portuguese speakers.

Portuguese-speaking employees are found in every government office. In addition, English is also widely used as a foreign language. In most places, English is commonly spoken.

Countries with the most competition for skilled workers

Another thing is that in most cases, Luxembourg is a country where there is competition among skilled workers. Most of the people who come to work here have acquired skills and learned skills in some field. Some people only make Luxembourg a destination after working in that field for years. Therefore, when they go to a place to work, there is fierce competition among people with skills and experience in that field, and only those who are selected from that get the job. When it comes to the hotel, restaurant, cafe and catering sectors, the market in this area is more competitive.

Being a small country, perhaps due to limited opportunities, in most cases, skilled and experienced workers who have worked in the relevant field are selected. In this regard, special preference is given to those who know French, German and Luxembourgish. There may be job opportunities for those who know Portuguese and English. However, experience in the relevant field and language, and a driver’s license from European countries are always given priority by hiring companies.

Although there is a possibility of finding work in hotels and restaurants run by Nepalis, Indians, and other South Asians, experience in the relevant field is considered important even there.

Small but powerful country

Luxembourg, a small country in terms of geography and population, has succeeded in leaving the world behind and entering its name on the list of the most powerful countries in the world.

The finance sector accounts for 30 percent of total employment in Luxembourg, which has been known as a ‘global financial powerhouse’.

The financial sector is considered the cornerstone of income in Luxembourg. It accounts for a large part of the country’s gross domestic product. A total of more than 117 banks from more than 25 countries of the world are located in Luxembourg. This includes the world’s most famous banks. Luxembourg, a country rich in banking, information technology, steel and industrial sectors, is creating employment opportunities in these sectors and is bringing in skilled workers from different countries of the world.

In addition, it imports billions of euros annually by exporting steel industry, information and technology, sustainable energy and biotechnology, cars and vehicle parts, tires, gas turbines, etc. Luxembourg has also been playing a leading role in the industrial sector.

The government has been collecting revenue from local business taxes, property taxes, personal income taxes, and value-added taxes, which are the major sources of income for the state.

The hub of more than a dozen European Union offices

More than a dozen offices of the European Union are located in Luxembourg. The Secretariat of the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, the European Court of Auditors, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Union Conference Centre, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Court of Justice of the European Free Trade Association and other offices, and tens of thousands of experts from different countries working in them, are making Luxembourg their workplace. In addition, the offices of the world-famous Microsoft and Amazon are located in Luxembourg.

These areas with employment potential

Luxembourg is always in demand for skilled workers, especially in the fields of information technology, finance, banking, healthcare, hospitality, etc. Amazon is an excellent country for those who want to build their careers in the finance sector.

Every company is looking for skilled workers, especially in the fields of banking, finance, finance law, investment management, etc. To work in these fields, you can apply only after completing the necessary procedures by visiting the website of the respective company. If you meet the criteria and get a visa, you will get the opportunity to work with attractive salaries and benefits.

In addition, Luxembourg is always in demand for skilled and experienced workers in the information technology sector. There are many opportunities for those with skills in IT, data security, cybersecurity, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The minimum monthly salary for highly skilled workers in fields such as mobile technology and programming starts at 4,000 euros. This increases according to their qualifications and skills. Another field of choice for skilled workers coming to Luxembourg is engineering. Companies here can also employ skilled workers in this field after meeting certain criteria.

Companies here are still looking for skilled workers in dozens of positions, especially maintenance engineers, process engineers, chemical engineers, etc. The monthly salary and service facilities of those working in these fields are attractive. Similarly, there is a possibility of getting work in the health care and social sectors as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and care givers. However, for those working in these fields, those who know at least one language among French, German, Luxembourgish, and English and have good experience are given priority.

Companies that provide jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, therapy centers, and care centers have posted on their websites that they are looking for skilled nurses and caregivers. In some of these areas, experienced and skilled people who only speak English can find work. In addition, there are opportunities for skilled and experienced workers in the logistics sector, hospitality, cafes and catering, and construction sectors.

Positive side

Due to its small size and relatively small population, the work of government offices here is more efficient and faster than in other countries. In particular, the government here provides a certain amount of money according to the age group to children under 18 years of age. Which is higher than in other European countries. Education in government and semi-government schools is completely free, while in private schools, a certain amount of money is paid for studying. The health sector is also relatively leading. In cases where parents are involved in work, all dependent families here will have health insurance automatically from the company they work with. In which 80 percent of the expenses are covered by insurance, while in some cases 20 percent has to be paid by the person. Children are completely free. The standard of living here is comparatively among the best in Europe. The government provides zero-interest loans to students going to university to study higher education, based on their level of education. After completing their studies and starting to work, the government takes money from the student on a monthly basis.

Nightlife, including night-time businesses that operate until midnight, is very limited in Luxembourg. As a result, the area gradually becomes deserted as the evening progresses. However, some urban areas can be crowded on weekends. Luxembourg is also considered to be the center of Europe, as cities such as Frankfurt, the industrial city of Germany, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, Paris, the capital of France, and Zurich, Switzerland, can be reached within a few hours’ drive.

Negative side

Reading this far, you might have thought that everything about Luxembourg is good, nothing bad. But that’s not the case. As positive and appealing as it sounds, life in Luxembourg is actually equally challenging.

As one of the richest countries in the world, the standard of living here is also high. Living a quality life means spending a lot in every area. That is why living in Luxembourg is very expensive. It is especially difficult and expensive to find a house to rent here. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in the urban area costs between 2200 and 2500 euros. In addition to this, the costs of electricity, water, internet, etc. that you use are added. It is difficult to find houses even a little outside the city. Which also costs at least 1800 euros. Strict conditions must be followed to rent a house.

House rental agencies charge rent based on a certificate of employment, 3 months’ advance payment of rent, and a stable source of income. In addition, the agency’s service fee (minimum one month’s rent) must be paid.

It would be easier if you could find a room with friends and relatives from the Nepali community or other acquaintances. Where you can legally live as a family member. But for that, the room and its area of the house must be sufficient. The local municipality (commune) will determine this only after looking at its records.

As mentioned above, living in Luxembourg, despite its high quality of life, is very expensive. Especially, daily necessities, food, salons, beauty parlors, restaurants, etc. are expensive here. When using the services of service-oriented businesses, one has to bear more expenses. It is difficult for one family member to earn a living by doing one job and relying solely on that salary.

If you are thinking of working for minimum wage and supporting a family of 4 with just one person’s income, it seems impossible. Compared to countries such as Belgium and Germany, housing costs and rents in Luxembourg are much higher. Buying houses and apartments here is also very expensive compared to countries such as Belgium, Portugal, and Germany. It is almost 3 times more expensive here than in these countries. Buying a 2-room apartment of about 100 square meters costs at least 600,000 euros in urban areas and 450,000 to 500,000 euros outside the city.

Once the banking process is successful, your ‘banking loan’ will be approved or not depending on your dependent family, your expenses, age, etc. Even if approved, you will have to pay an advance of 12 to 15 percent depending on the situation.

The possibility of coming from Nepal legally on a un skilled worker visa is almost zero.

As already mentioned, there is competition for skilled workers in most areas of Luxembourg. To work here, you must be legally in the country on a skilled worker visa.

Although citizens of war-torn countries have been granted the opportunity to live and work on humanitarian grounds in accordance with the decisions and standards of the European Union, those coming here from other places must meet legal standards. The impact of the global economic recession caused by the Corona pandemic also caused a major blow to businesses here. The effects of which can still be seen today. In addition, the war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on for the past few years has also had an impact. Many people, especially from Ukraine, have come here seeking safety. Which has further narrowed the scope of employment here.

To come here as a worker, one must either be a citizen of a country affiliated with the European Union. Otherwise, one must submit to immigration the necessary documents including the letter issued by the relevant government agency to the relevant company to bring in workers and the personal details of the skilled workers required in the relevant field.

Procedurally, companies legally registered here must request skilled workers from the government agency providing employment here (ADAM). ADAM searches the list of job seekers registered with it to see if the companies have the workers they are looking for. Only if the companies are unable to find skilled workers in the relevant field, ADAM writes to those companies to initiate the process of bringing in the necessary workers from other countries.

Companies will now be able to call on non-European citizens living in Europe or outside Europe to bring in manpower as mentioned in the letter received from Adam. But for that, the workers the company needs must apply to the Immigration Department with all the documents proving that they have studied a diploma from a recognized university in the relevant field and are experienced and skilled workers. In most cases, such applications are rejected by the Immigration Department. Officials say that a visa is confirmed only if the Immigration Department approves it. But that rate is almost zero. There is absolutely no such thing as a temporary visa for employment in Luxembourg as is being discussed now. In the last few years, only a few people who can be counted on the fingers, who are skilled and have very good skills and experience in the relevant field, have come here for employment, says Balhari Rai, General Secretary of the Non-Resident Nepali Federation Luxembourg.

There is widespread false propaganda about employment in Luxembourg on social media. In the last few years, the number of people applying for work permit visas has been increasing, but the rate of getting a visa is almost zero. Therefore, General Secretary Rai has suggested that decisions regarding Luxembourg should be made only after understanding the facts and not being deceived by anyone.

“There is no truth in the propaganda currently being spread about Luxembourg on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube,” Rai says. “Although in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people coming to Luxembourg on tourist visas to various European countries, those who come on tourist visas are not allowed to work or reside in Luxembourg.”

According to government data here, the number of skilled workers coming to Luxembourg on work visas from South Asian countries including Nepal, India, and Bangladesh has been very low for the past two years. The government here has also urged people to be aware that finding work in Luxembourg is not as easy as advertised on social media and that work can only be obtained based on knowledge, skills, and language after completing the legal process.

For those coming on a student visa

There are still many possibilities for students who want to come on a student visa. Students from abroad come to Luxembourg, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For that, you have to apply online, complete the necessary procedures, and choose the subject you want to study.

When applying in this way, there is a provision that some subjects must be studied in German, French or Luxembourgish, while some have made ‘TOEFL and IELTS’ mandatory. Some subjects can also be studied in English. If you are selected for study in a government university here, the university costs are very low. However, in the case of private universities, some are expensive. There is a provision that students who come in this way must inform the University of the Accommodation they have decided on themselves, says Diplove Bareilly, spokesperson for NRNA Luxembourg.

Those coming on a student visa will not be allowed to work full-time. Initially, they are allowed to work 15 hours per week. Those coming for graduate studies generally do not have full-time work permission. They have to renew their visa every year. However, if they find a job in the same subject and field they studied, undergraduate students are also allowed to work full-time. After completing their master’s degree, they receive a 1-year visa, which serves as a job-seeking visa.

Therefore, it would be wrong to form an opinion about Luxembourg by watching videos on social media such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. It is especially impossible to expect to work here by paying a large sum of money to a broker. Therefore, let us be aware of this in advance. Before wasting time and money, we should think and consider the process. (This article was first published in Nepali Language on June 7th on Setopati dot com, an online portal in Nepal.)

(Mr. Lamichhane, who has been actively involved in journalism for more than two decades, lives in Luxembourg.)

{All photo credit goes to Mr. Lamichhane.}