Are you an expat or planning to move to one of the following countries while considering to start a family in a non-traditional way? Adoption is another way to create a loving family by welcoming a child that couldn't be raised by its birth parents. However, many are disheartened due to the lengthy and expensive adoption process. Expat.com has made a list of the countries that encourage international adoption and support applicants in every step, making the process smoother and less costly.
Taiwan
This relatively small island-state, east of China, is one of Asia Pacific's hidden gems. Expats in Taiwan tend to report on the country's good quality of life, delicious cuisine, natural beauty, work opportunities, and economic development. However, the most prevalent characteristic of Taiwan is its friendly and welcoming people, who will make you feel at home. Taiwan is another country you might consider for international adoption. However, you will need to meet the age criteria (often be between 30 and 45 years old maximum) and have sufficient income to support the child. Legally, a single parent can adopt, but, depending on your nationality, they might require you to have been married for a specific period. Speaking Chinese is another requirement. While it is possible to adopt a child in Taiwan, it might not be as easy as it seems easy because there are few adoptable children, and, logically, national adoption is prioritised.
India
It is not a piece of cake to settle in India as an expat due to factors such as the low quality of healthcare, ambiguous safety, extreme pollution, and radically different work culture. Thus, many expats find themselves in the middle of a culture shock, but at the same time, they enjoy the entertainment, cuisine, and social life India offers. Becoming a parent to an Indian child is relatively straightforward, except in some states, where the legal processes are slow. In general, adoption in India is regulated by the CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority), and the conditions are quite reasonable. You just need to have good physical and mental health, be emotionally stable, and have the financial means to raise a child. It's worth noting that a single woman can adopt any child, but a man can only adopt a boy. The age limits are also more flexible (between 45 and 50 years depending on the child's age).
South Korea
If you have been an expat in South Korea, you are probably familiar with the Koreans' strong bonds with the family and the traditional relationship between parents and children. The latter must repay their debt to their parents for giving birth to them and raising them through respect and continuity of the family line. Thus, Korean people are not very open to adoption. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has introduced a policy to facilitate international adoption, although the procedures can take up to 3 years. To adopt a child in South Korea, you still have to meet a certain number of fairly strict criteria, such as age (being between 25 and 44 years old and not having more than 10 years of age difference in the couple), status (you must have been married for at least 3 years) and health (you must not have many health issues or diseases listed by the government or any mental health history, including depression). Other important criteria are sufficient revenue and degrees.
China
China has a long tradition in international adoptions, and although many changes have been recently implemented, increasing the waiting period, the process remains one of the most organised and efficient. Adoptions in China are regulated by the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption, and both females and couples can adopt from China, as long as they are 30 years old or above. China pays close attention to the couple's loving relationship, the health of each adoptive parent, their education level and annual income, as well as their morality (criminal records and traffic law violation are extensively checked).
Haiti
With severe natural disasters such as an earthquake in 2010 and a hurricane in 2016, expats in Haiti are mainly occupied in the nonprofit industry and are working with development organisations. If you have been living in Haiti, you have probably been struck by the poverty among the population. Adoption in Haiti can also be a way to help a child in need. The criteria are quite flexible (singles accepted, age limit of 50, etc.), but in the worrying context of rising insecurity and poverty, you are advised to be very careful. It's important both for the safety of the adoptive parents and for respecting the ethics of the adoption procedures. For example, France has decided to suspend international adoption procedures with Haiti until June 2022.
