Have you been tasked with handling an employee’s overseas relocation?
Whether you’re in HR, Global Mobility or another department, you’re going to play a crucial role in what, for them, could be one of the most important periods of their life. So, it’s important to get it right.
Crown Relocations is here to partner with you, offering comprehensive support to ensure a seamless transition. Let’s walk through how this journey can be made as smooth as possible.
Pre-relocation top consideration: Immigration
Once the local office is set up, it is the employer’s responsibility to apply for a work permit and residency visa, as well as provide healthcare insurance for the employee. These costs are typically borne by the employer as part of the relocation package.
Depending on the employee’s nationality and the seniority of the role, you may need to provide an attested university degree to apply for their visa. Bear in mind that attestation processing times can take up to a couple of months, depending on the country where the degree was issued.
Crown Relocations can support with Legalization & Attestation services.
Allowances and benefits
One of the costliest expenses for the employer is covering temporary accommodation before the employee receives their Emirates ID and can open a bank account. Companies usually offer their new hires a serviced apartment for 30 days, ideally located close to the office, to avoid additional transportation costs.
You will also have to consider a return air ticket for the employee and accompanying family to their home country once a year.
Lastly, according to Article 51 of the UAE Labour Law, foreign workers in the private sector are entitled to an end of service gratuity (based on the basic salary) provided that they complete one year of continuous service. In all cases, the total gratuity shall not exceed the wage of two years. More info can be found here.
Managing personal belongings
Perhaps the most important aspect of relocation is the careful handling of personal belongings. We understand that these items are more than just material possessions – they are parts of your employee’s life story. It’s important to communicate this early on, especially if your employee hasn’t relocated before. Reassure them that, with a dependable international relocation company, they will be able to move everything from their new OLED TV to a treasured family heirloom.
We provide expert services in packing, handling, and transporting everything from the smallest sentimental item to the largest piece of furniture. We’ve even moved some of the world’s most famous pieces of art!
Our focus is on understanding and meeting your employee’s individual needs, ensuring their belongings receive the care and respect they deserve.
Crown Relocations will provide you with comprehensive quotations based on door-to-door assistance that includes insurance and storage where required.
Helping them to settle in
The initial settlement period is crucial for a variety of reasons. If you’re new to supporting international relocation, you may be less familiar with this phase, but a significant part of our service offering revolves around what we call “destination services” – intercultural training, home search, and more. Moving overseas is known, even in psychological circles, as a deeply anxious and often stressful period.
As a result, ensure you have all your bases covered for your employee. Consider arranging a preview trip before their move, to ensure they are given an in-depth introduction to Dubai and to mitigate the risk of a failed relocation.
Local expat groups or women’s only communities are excellent for social integration and can provide much-needed emotional support during this transition.
Finally, if they have a family, it’s crucial with a capital “C” that their needs are attended to. According to research on failed expatriate assignments, family-related challenges are among the most common reasons for early returns. It’s essential to support the entire family from the beginning of the process. That’s why we provide services such as school search, helping children access the best possible education in their new home.
Need Help?
Partnering with Crown Relocations ensures that every step of your employee’s international relocation is handled with expertise and care. Our focus on comprehensive planning and employee well-being guarantees a successful adaptation in their new environment.
Contact our professional team for further details and support.
