Discussions with company reps. seem to indicate that expats will be upgrade-able inline with normal company criteria. Exactly how they are slotted into any existing seniority system is unknown to me at this time. There was talk of expats operating as a somewhat homogenous group on the aircraft (whether this is to negate translator requirements, or for seniority/upgrade reasons is also unknown).
The first group of expats have arrived in-country as of last week I believe, more to follow shortly. 4X 744F's to be delivered in total, first due very soon.
Living in the pilot/FA dorm isn't mandatory but access to training base and need to find your own appartment make it an easier option at least until the training is in hand.