Our global economy is continually changing. International companies must change in tandem to survive. Establishing ways to adapt to the new business community, which is no longer contained by borders. To stay ahead companies must develop internal plans for global mobility. Deloitte has defined the four types of expatriates that can currently be found on every continent.
Examples include:
• Local plus: A local plus arrangement transfers individuals abroad with the intent of having them establish permanent residence in their new country. It is generally used to fill an urgent business need or relocate key talent. Unlike a permanent transfer, where the employee is relocated with minimal support, a local plus assignment offers significant support to help the assignee integrate into the host country.
• Global nomads: Global nomads are people who move from one international assignment to another with no expectation of returning to their original home country.
• Frequent business travellers: These are typically either executives with regional responsibilities or project specialists who spend significant time abroad. Their frequent travels trigger international visa, tax, social security, and employment law obligations.
• Commuters: Commuters live in one country but work primarily in another. Virtual commuters live and work in one country, but have responsibilities and teams based in another country, which trigger similar tax, employment, and cross-cultural issues as employees who physically commute
We have taken a very small excretion from their document Smarter Moves: Executing and integrating global mobility and talent programs. Please visit their assessment of global mobility to learn more.
A Reflection of Global Mobility in 2024
As the year comes to a close, let’s take a look at the key trends that influenced global mobility and employee relocation in 2024, and