https://unsplash.com/photos/white-printed-paper-spFYbCSF-Ec
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, there are many reasons to look overseas. For companies, being prepared to hire candidates from abroad means you have access to a far wider talent pool. For individuals looking to combine a career change with emigrating, you have the benefit of more choice as well as the prospect of seeing the world beyond your current destination.
But corporate immigration isn’t without its risks. In this article, we will break down some of the most common pitfalls we see relating to corporate immigration from both the perspective of the employer and the employee.
Employer
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Hiring any new employee brings about paperwork. But if you are hiring candidates from abroad, be prepared to take on increased admin, especially if they don’t currently have citizenship in your country.
The most common mistake businesses make when hiring individuals from outside their country is errors with documents and forms. It could be as simple as an unsubmitted form or a missing signature, but the consequence could be delays in your employee securing residency and starting work.
Make sure you understand your country’s laws around corporate immigration, including which documentation needs to be submitted.
Non-Compliance with Regulations
The hiring process becomes a little more complex from a legal perspective if your new employee is relocating from overseas. In most countries, it’s not as simple as offering someone a job in the same way you would for a native employee.
For example, in the UK, your company may need to apply for a sponsor license when hiring someone without British citizenship. In this instance, it’s probably best to work with a specialist immigration solicitors London to ensure you are doing everything by the book.
Employee
Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
From an employee’s perspective, the most common pitfall would be simply not completing the relevant information ahead of your move. While it will differ from country to country, most nations will want immigrants to provide details about how long they are moving for, and possibly why they are moving. Along with this, you may need to provide information on criminal history and expenses, depending on where you are moving to.
Don’t rely on what you’ve heard from friends when it comes to documentation. Use official government websites to understand the full process, including what information needs to be provided. Make sure you are aware of deadlines too, including which information needs to be provided before you travel and which needs to be provided upon arrival.
Not Maintaining Legal Status
It’s important to know that the admin doesn’t stop once you’ve secured your job and moved to your new home. In many cases, immigrants must update their legal status or reapply for visas. It’s worth pointing out that EU citizens can move indefinitely to other EU countries, but not everyone has this luxury.
To avoid overstaying your visa, make sure you plan in advance. It’s also important to notify relevant parties of any address changes so you can continue to be contacted with updates around your legal status.