Help your candidates relocate abroad

17-Sep-2008

As the economic downturn begins to bite, recruiters can expect to see an increase in candidates seeking to move abroad to extend their personal and professional opportunities. However, relocation is a serious business which involves much research, planning and hard work.

Make it legal

Candidates need clear advice on visa issues. Do your homework so you can advise candidates on exactly what kind of visa they need to apply for, what it enables them to do and how long it entitles them to stay.

This can be a complex and confusing business, as regulations vary from country to country. However, there are websites such as www.visabureau.com or www.fco.gov.uk that provide guidance for a range of countries, as well as sites such as www.immi.gov.au or www.ausvisas.com which offer advice specifically tailored for one country — in this case Australia.

Do the research

Candidates may find the idea of working abroad appealing — but it's important to help them be aware of the bigger picture — otherwise they could be jumping from the frying pan straight into the fire! Many countries such as the US are experiencing similar economic conditions to the UK, so consider how healthy the job market is before offering advice.

Australia has long been a popular choice for relocation due to the climate, travel opportunities, the Commonwealth connection — and the fact that it is English speaking, making some skills more easily transferable. Nevertheless, while the Australian economy and job market is still buoyant, with so much economic uncertainty around there is no guarantee this will remain the case.

Plan the budget

Help candidates to find out the standard rates of pay for positions in different countries and how that relates to the cost of living, so they can ensure the move will be financially viable and worthwhile.

Remind them that, if renting, a bond of at least one month's rent is standard practice almost everywhere. It also pays to look into the housing market. If renting, is there a plentiful supply of rental properties? If buying, what can they expect to get for their money, and how does that equate to the standard of living in the UK?



The bad news is that tax still has to paid, no matter where in the world a person may be. Find out what the tax regulations are for a specific country. Your client will need to determine their tax resident status correctly to ensure they are paying what is owed.

This is a complex affair and varies widely from country to country. In Australia, for example, it is preferable to be treated as a tax resident in order to access the tax-free threshold and lower rate tax scales that are unavailable to non-residents.

Ultimately, relocation is a personal decision. We advise our candidates to take a holiday in the country they are considering, preferably combined with face-to-face interviews.

This serves a twofold purpose: it demonstrates commitment to potential employers, as well as helping the candidate come to the right decision — so they can fulfil their dream without it turning into a nightmare.



TOP TIPS

Look into the cost of living, including housing and transport, so a realistic budget can be planned. Remember to factor in healthcare costs and tax rates 

Find out a benchmark figure for potential earnings and compare it to the equivalent UK salary 

Make sure it's all legal, so your candidates stay on the right side of the law

Know the job market to ensure that candidates are moving into a buoyant marketplace that will offer the right opportunities

Find out what the job will entail, including aspects such as standard working hours and statutory holidays, so there are no nasty surprises in store

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