Question

Hi, Can anyone highlight some unique issues and recommendations that ex-pat face during the assignment and after the repatriation

Answer 1

The issues that ex-pat face during assignment are :

• Cultural shock - The expatriates face cultural shock during the assignment. They have to face and adjust to a different culture from theirs. They have to learn the ways of the society and culture in which they are assigned. This creates stress and strain for the individuals on assignment or the expatriates.
• Family causes - Families of expatriates on assignment sometimes fail to adjust to the conditions in the host country causing difficulty for the expatriates.
• Compliance to host country's laws and rules also cause challenge for adjustment to the expatriates.

Issue on repatriation

• Reverse cultural shock- Most of the expatriates after a long stay outside their home face difficulty in adjusting to their own culture and environment. This is called reverse cultural shock.
• Loss of financial and social status- Expatriates on assignment receive special economic benefits and social status during their assignments which is taken back during repatriation. This loss pose challenge to adjustment in expatriates.
• The adjustment to changes in their home country after repatriation is also a issue for expatriates.

Recommendations

• Pre-departure training before going for assignment and before repatriation would help the expatriates to adjust to the environment of both the host country and the home country.
• Keeping them updated about the changes in the rules and rt home country and work place environment of the same.
• Expatriates should be aided with career management programs after repatriation,so that they have better options for their career management.
• Helping the expatriates with financial counseling and financial/tax assistance so that they are better able to manage their financial resources upon repatriation.