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Journey of an Expat: Challenges and Success Stories

This presentation delves into the personal and professional experiences of an expat, from preparation and work challenges to the repatriation process. Insights are shared on expat characteristics, HR responsibilities, and the importance of family support. Recommendations for HR departments and the need for proactive engagement with expatriates are highlighted.

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Journey of an Expat: Challenges and Success Stories

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Presentation Transcript

  1. SARA Presentation November 2008

  2. Mambo Karibu

  3. Agenda • Introduction • Being an expat • Repatriation • On the other side – Engen • Conclusion

  4. Introduction • August 2002 – HR Director Vodacom • Left alone without family – 14 October 2002 • Family joined January 2003 until end of December 2004 • Stayed on until March 2006 – “absent assignee” • Returned to SA – April 2006 • Joined Engen September 2007

  5. Being an Expat • Attended country briefing – JHB • Preparation NB • Family & Admin Issues • Medical Issues NB – kids • Schooling • Work permit • Visa before leaving • Read lots about Tanzania

  6. Being an Expat • Work very challenging – long (12 to 14)hours • Sundays very problematic • Searched for a house – 3 bedroom flat – Saturdays • Typical expat area - Oysterbay • Wife packing in SA – “frustration”

  7. Being an Expat - Work • Responsible for expats in country – 10 to 15 • Setting up of HR function within company • Got involved in other areas of business – function of expatriate work • Localization NB – Vodacom • Set up HR System • Medical Aid and Pension Fund introduced • 40% locals in Senior Management – April 2006

  8. Being an Expat

  9. Repatriation • Prepare psychologically for it • Went for Expat Assessment • Wasn’t prepared for what I found in SA • Everybody has moved on – except “us” • Company and I – not prepared at all

  10. Characteristics of making it on assignment • Good support system NB • Need your family with you - prerequisite • Need to make peace with African environment – Pole Pole • Don’t “colonise” Africa with SA ideas • Embrace the locals – “they love it” (learn the language) • Try to show intent on understanding the local market • Will engage with people in government – be prepared for it

  11. What should HR departments do??? • Empathies with expatriates around their issues • Create conducive environment for expatriates to return to home base - repatriation • Check up on wives on assignment & wives/girlfriends in SA • Watch out for “absent” expatriates • Take all concerns from locals seriously – investigate and act immediately • Engage proactively with expatriates

  12. Other Side • Expat taxation - prioritised • Relocation outsourced – company • Expat Assessments introduced for Engen • Need to focus on families • Work permits NB

  13. Conclusion • Expats – understand why we are sending staff on assignment • Focus on family issues • Render proactive support • Remuneration – prioritise this aspect for expats and make it “lucrative”.

  14. Thank you

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