Posts Tagged ‘Global Relocation Service’

Global Compensation Management: Part One

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Being able to accurately manage and measure a company’s global relocation and mobility costs in real-time is EXTREMELY important. If not managed properly, it can increase in complexity as a company increases in size and expands its international operations.

Today, many Global Relocation companies are becoming antiquated in managing global mobility financial reporting, which can ultimately require significant resources.  Reimbursements, payments, cost estimates and compensation balance sheets are often processed manually, and the resulting data isn’t always fully-captured, analyzed, and reported on.  As a result, Corporate International Movers could be opening themselves up to unintended compliance and data risk, as well as world-wide payroll reconciliation issues.

In the era of compliance and regulation, a company’s global mobility program is greatly affected by its ability to effectively manage compensation. Ideally, companies should be in a situation where they can control costs and manage payroll to do what it is intended to do on a world-wide basis—accurately pay and record salaries and all associated assignee benefits.

What can companies do to leverage technology in order to reduce cost, increase accuracy, compliance and reporting capabilities in the global mobility space?

Relocating to Bulgaria

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Below are a number of important considerations for anyone considering moving overseas and to Bulgaria:

1. Income –  Wherever you decide to relocate to, you will need a source of income. It maybe that you have a  pension, or can work from home via the internet, but a steady source of income will be required to cover your general living expenses. When considering moving to Bulgaria, you need to keep in mind that without a good knowledge of the Bulgarian language, you will find it difficult to get any sort of normal job and most expats tend to end up working in trades required by other expats such as building, property management, gardening so these areas of work are already over saturated.

2. Education – If you have children you will need to consider how they will fit in to the local education system or if you are going to attempt home schooling. In Bulgaria, children go to kindergarten from an early age and then start primary school at around the age of 7. Young children will pick up the language quickly, but for older children it can be very difficult to fit in.

3. Medical Care – The state health system in Bulgaria is under funded and fairly basic, although the actual standard of care is good in most respects. However, if you have a pre-existing medical conditions or require regular medication you need to check you can get the medicine or care required in Bulgaria. It is important to find an English speakingdoctor close to your location. Private health clinics are numerous, cheap and very good.

Relocating to the UAE

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

The UAE is a great place for adventurous and skilled people to relocate to for work. The UAE has an ever-growing economy that supplies great job opportunities to those who qualify. If you are a skilled worker, you will find big corporations willing to give you highly competitive contracts with great benefits. Moving to the UAE for your ideal job is a great way to further your career while increasing your income at the same time. Before you take the plunge, here are a few things to consider when relocating to the UAE.

Relocating Your Family

If you decide to relocate your entire family, you will need to secure visas for all of them. With a family residence visa you will be able to sponsor your spouse, children or parents to come live with you. Make sure you begin this process well in advance of your move to ensure you and your family meets all the necessary requirements.

Property

Unless your employer has secured housing for you, you will need to look into property to rent. The best way to do this is to start looking after you have arrived in the UAE. Make sure you book yourself into a hotel for a few weeks in order to allow yourself enough time to search for a residence without stressing yourself out. Once you have found your apartment, try to lock yourself into a long lease so that you can avoid any costly future hikes in rent.

Relocating to the UAE can be a very exciting experience for you if you make sure to take the necessary steps to secure your job and living situation. Keep in mind that you will be living in a country that is very different from the one you live in now. Make sure you are familiar with the laws and culture in order to avoid any trouble. By being organized and thoughtful, you’ll be able to make the most out of living in the UAE and pursuing your dream career.

The Plan to Work Abroad: Employment

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Are you a professional in a given industry or do you have a flexible skill set that will allow you to seek work in many different sectors? Do your qualifications translate favorably and transfer directly when moving overseas? What sectors would you like to work in, in which countries can you find work in a profession that suits you?

These are all questions you have to consider carefully. Next, if you’re moving overseas permanently you need to be practical and realistic and consider the long term employment prospects for you, your spouse and any other family members accompanying you…if you can find employment today how easy will it be to change employer or advance your career later in life?

You should then examine your desired location carefully and determine whether or not you need work permits, residency visas and permission to work and live abroad, if so you should get the ball rolling and apply as soon as possible in case of any paperwork and administrative delays.

Also consider the taxation and financial aspects of working abroad…remember that if you’re moving to a low cost country the economy will likely pay lower wages than you’re used to, will these be sufficient to sustain your ideal lifestyle?

FAQ on International Shipping

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

What do you need to know about shipping goods internationally? We’ve got a few common questions (and answers) here.

1. What is Ocean Freight?

Most goods shipped intercontinental are transported via sea vessel in containers. This is rarely the only component to international shipping however. A reference to ocean freight cost usually refers only to the cost associated with the actual ocean-crossing portion of the shipment. Transportation of the freight to and from container yards at the ports of origin and destination is provided by trucks and are not part of an ocean freight charge. (Depending upon the destination country, a freight transportation management service can provide assistance with inland transportation after the container is unloaded at the port as well.)

2. Surcharges in Ocean Freight

Additional charges included in an international ocean freight price quote will generally include basic sea freight charges to cover the port-to-port transportation, a fuel surcharge, security charges, documentation fees and container delivery charges.

3. What is a Container Yard (CY)?

A Container Yard (CY) is a facility at which loaded and empty freight containers are accepted for loading onboard vessels. Containers are also off-loaded and stored at CYs.

4. What is FOB?

FOB stands for Free on Board. It is used to indicate when liability and ownership of goods is transferred from a seller to a buyer. In international shipping, “FOB [name of originating port]” means that the seller (consignor) is responsible for transportation of the goods to the port of shipment and the cost of loading. The buyer (consignee) pays the costs of ocean freight, insurance, unloading, and transportation from the arrival port to the final destination. The seller passes the risk to the buyer when the goods are loaded at the originating port.