There are a vast number of potential issues that can crop up during relocation processes, or even for short-term trips such as workcations. However, this shouldn’t be a concern in today's market with the rise of technology that can support businesses and their people. 

Relocating for work isn’t a new concept. For decades, people have travelled to join businesses or start their own, moving towns, cities or even countries. However, today there are many compliance considerations when it comes to hiring and relocating international talent, either as a result of countries tightening immigration rules or shifting the policy goalpost. This has made it difficult for businesses at a time when it has never been more beneficial to hire from the international talent pool. 

Smoothing out visa applications

One of the key considerations for businesses that are supporting new or existing employees with long- or short-term relocation is visas. Most countries take a different approach to visas, with varied application processes, costs, and systems. Global mobility experts can streamline this process, guiding companies on the most suitable visas based on prospects' profiles. This personalised approach can help reduce the bureaucracy that could compromise the success and efficiency of corporate relocations.

Companies are leveraging proprietary technology to minimise errors for each aspect of visa applications and relocations, overcoming what is often the biggest barrier to global mobility. Tech and expertise-driven platforms can provide status updates throughout an employee's relocation journey, including visa applications, work permits, and travel insurance arrangements.

Staying compliant with different immigration policies 

Governments are digitalising their border and immigration systems, making it easier than ever to identify non-compliance. Robust technology with centralised data management is required to avoid risks.

In volatile situations requiring rapid response, like evacuating employees, having comprehensive data intelligence on visa and immigration status, as well as current location, is invaluable. Advanced analytics can also spot compliance trends before issues arise.

By driving compliance and avoiding penalties or fines, companies with leading global mobility processes can realise extensive cost savings. Reducing manual data entry errors through automation further mitigates risks.

Tax implications

The challenges often continue even after employees relocate, particularly for people who have moved from one country to another. Taxation varies from nation to nation, and organisations must ensure that employees are adhering to the tax laws throughout the relocation process.

For short-term assignments abroad, such as workcations or business meetings, companies must avoid creating a permanent establishment (PE) risk. In simple terms, the possibility of a local tax authority discovering that a company or its employees are operating in the country full time, rather than on a short-term basis.

If not handled correctly, a business could be declared a permanent establishment liable for all corporate taxes. Therefore, organisations need to monitor these risks and ensure they are compliant from the start of the process – rather than falling foul after the fact.

Entering the global talent pool

Organisations must evolve and embrace global mobility to reach emerging global talent, particularly during a time when most industries are facing talent shortages. But they do not need to do this alone. Global mobility platforms continue to advance, and through a partnership with the right global mobility provider, organisations can be supported when onboarding global talent, eliminating stress for employees, and reducing the burden that often falls on HR and admin teams.

Incoming talent requires flexibility and the option for global mobility in 2024. It is now a risk not to offer mobility packages as more and more people expect flexibility and a ‘life/work’ balance. Relocations can be a risk, but that is quickly changing as technology and expertise combine to enable talent to relocate smoothly.