Leona Lees, Author at Claymore Thistle

Relocate A Staff Member or Hire Locally? Making the Best Decision for Your Business and Employees

As your business grows and expands, there often comes a point where you might need to do one of the following things:

Relocate a hire from another location because there simply aren’t any staff to be found locally.
Decide whether to relocate an existing employee to a new office in another city or country or,
Hire a new employee already based in that location

We understand that this decision can be challenging, with advantages and disadvantages to both options.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of relocating an existing employee, to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits:

Familiarity with the company culture: An employee who has been with the company for some time will be familiar with the company culture and values. This can be a valuable asset when relocating to a new office, as they can help to establish the same culture in the new location.
Retention of institutional knowledge: An existing employee has already been trained in the company’s processes and procedures, and has developed relationships with colleagues and clients. By relocating an existing employee, you can retain this institutional knowledge, which can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on training a new employee.
Cost savings: Depending on the circumstances, relocating an existing employee can be more cost-effective than hiring a new employee. For example, if the employee is already a high performer, the cost of recruiting and training a new employee may be greater than the cost of relocation.

Drawbacks:

Family considerations: Relocating an employee to another state or country can be a major disruption for the employee’s family. It can be difficult to uproot children from their schools and social networks, and/or to find suitable housing in a new state or country.
Cultural adjustment: Even if the employee has travelled extensively, they may still experience culture shock when relocating to a new state or country. This can affect their job performance and their overall well-being.
Visa and immigration issues: Depending on the destination country, the process of obtaining a visa and work permit for an employee can be time-consuming and complex.

At Claymore Thistle, our team has extensive experience and expertise in managing interstate and international relocations. We understand the complexities and challenges that come with relocating individuals and families and we are well-equipped to provide comprehensive guidance throughout the process.

Our approach involves working closely with your company and your employees to assess your unique needs and develop customised relocation plans that address these requirements. We can assist with administrative tasks such as visa and immigration paperwork, as well as providing support for cultural integration and adjustment to the new location. This includes help with finding suitable housing, schools for children, and access to essential services and amenities.

Our team strive to provide a comprehensive and personalised service that takes the stress out of relocation and ensures a successful transition for both your company and your employees.

Why do people relocate abroad?

In a hyper-globalised world where technology and remote working conditions are continuously evolving, moving abroad is easier than it has ever been before. Deciding to pack up your life and settle down in a foreign country is no easy task, and it can be challenging to know whether this is the right call for you. Perhaps you’ve received an exciting new job offer, want to move closer to friends or family living abroad, or want to expand your worldview by exploring a different country and culture — whatever your reason for wanting to move abroad, you are most likely wondering whether the adventure will be worth the stress that comes with global relocation.

At Claymore Thistle, we are big advocates for challenging the limits of your comfort zone! In this article, we will take a look at the main reasons why people decide to move abroad to give you some insight into the global relocation journey.

A new job or company transfer

Work is one of the most prominent reasons why people move overseas. This could be due to a company transfer, a new job opportunity, or a complete career change. Some countries are better suited for certain jobs and skills, which may inspire someone to set up camp elsewhere to advance their career. Thanks to the rapid increase in remote and online working opportunities over the last few years, you may not need to relocate to a different country immediately (or at all) to start working in a particular role — depending on your line of work, of course. Yet a new job might be just the sign you have been waiting for to kickstart your relocation journey!

Family or a significant other

Next up, a person may choose to move abroad if they want to reunite with family or perhaps accompany a partner who is relocating overseas for work. This includes parents who want to live closer to their children (and vice versa), families who have gotten split up due to work, study, or financial reasons, and couples who do not want to live apart. Many countries offer family and partner visas for people who want to relocate without having a local job or a different mode of legal entry into the country.

Study opportunities

Education is a major reason why people choose to move overseas, whether permanently or only for a short period. This pertains to both international students as well as parents who want to send their children to school in a particular location to learn a specialised set of skills or master a certain language. In terms of tertiary study, many universities are popular among international students due to the quality of education and the potential for cultural immersion. Oftentimes, international students living abroad come to love their temporary home so much that they end up staying forever!

Better living conditions

Moving abroad in pursuit of a higher quality of life is a common reason for wanting to relocate. An increase in income, a decrease in living expenses, a safer environment, better work and study opportunities, more stable economic and political conditions, less inequality, less pollution, a more exciting cultural scene… These are all motivating factors that may inspire someone to relocate to a different city or country.

Lifestyle choices

Choosing a relocation destination based on lifestyle preferences is especially common among the younger generation of travellers. Online work and the growth of the freelance economy have enabled a whole new lifestyle for remote workers, who have the freedom to choose where they want to live regardless of the location of their employer. Foodies and music fans may find that European countries tend to all of their social and cultural needs, while adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts may be more drawn to southern Africa and the Asia Pacific region. If your working scenario allows for it, you can effortlessly tailor your life according to your unique lifestyle choices!

Cultural experience

Finally, many people decide to move abroad because they are looking for a new challenge or cultural experience. Relocating to a different country marks a major change in anyone’s life. When feeling uninspired or stagnant in a job, relationship or particular setting, a person may experience the urge to ‘start over’ somewhere else. While moving abroad won’t solve all your problems, it will certainly launch you into an exciting new phase of your life. A person or family may also decide to relocate elsewhere when a particular chapter in their lives has come to an end. Retiring from a career, wanting to downsize their house and amount of belongings or longing for a new adventure after their children have left the house are all reasons why people may seek a change of scenery.

If you want to move abroad, but feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the challenges of global relocation, you are not alone. When planning a move abroad, your relocation agent will become your best friend! Enlisting professional help will manage the stress of planning the big move and can even reduce the cost of global relocation. Whatever you need support with — deciding on a relocation destination, finding work abroad, applying for visas, finding accommodation abroad, selling or renting out your property, shipping your belongings, and more — your relocation specialist can take care of all the tough tasks on your to-do list.

Need help moving abroad or searching for corporate relocations?
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to schedule a call for a wide range of relocation services.

Everything you should know about the updated vaccination rules for travellers entering Australia

Over the last two years, the continuously changing rules surrounding international travel have caused headaches for many travellers. Failing to comply with entry and exit requirements in both the country of origin and destination can lead to majorly time-consuming and costly issues. It is, therefore, no surprise that so many people find it overwhelming and stressful to plan a trip abroad these days.

Luckily, your trusted global relocation partners at Claymore Thistle have got you covered if you have any queries about vaccination rules for travellers entering Australia! Let’s dive right in.

Can I travel to Australia?

Yes! Australia reopened its international borders on 21 February this year. After nearly two years of one of the strictest and longest travel bans globally, Australia now welcomes fully vaccinated (and other eligible) travellers into the country. The ban on cruise ship entry into Australia was also recently lifted.

While Australia’s international borders are open to eligible travellers, different rules and regulations apply in each state. New South Wales and South Australia, for example, currently both require travellers to take an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and remain in isolation until a negative result is received. The same rules apply in Queensland, although this state requires that travellers make use of private travel to their place of isolation. Western Australia also imposes limited travel to remote communities.

Who is eligible to travel to Australia?

Under current travel regulations, you can enter Australia if you are an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, a New Zealand resident who normally resides in Australia (valid proof of residence in Australia is required), or a fully vaccinated or otherwise eligible traveller from elsewhere in the world (more details below).

Temporary visa holders entering Australia may have their visa cancelled and be detained and removed if they are not fully vaccinated for international travel purposes, do not have a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine, or are not in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption.

What is the definition of a fully vaccinated traveller?

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), a traveller is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for international travel purposes once they have completed a course (including a mixed dose schedule) of TGA approved or recognised vaccines.

The TGA recognises all vaccines that are provisionally approved for use in Australia for incoming travellers, including Comirnaty (Pfizer), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Spikevax or Takeda (Moderna), COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Janssen), and Nuvaxovid (Biocelect on behalf of Novavax). As of 17 January 2022, the TGA also recognises Coronavac (Sinovac), Covishield (AstraZeneca-Serum Institute of India), BBIBP-CorV for people under 60 years of age (Sinopharm China), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), and Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute) for the purpose of travel to Australia.

What are the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travel to Australia?

Travellers entering Australia must provide proof of their vaccination status by means of an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). The vaccination requirements for entry into Australia for each age group are as follows:

Travellers aged 16 years and older must have completed an appropriate primary course of a TGA approved or recognised vaccine and a booster dose three months after completing their primary vaccination course.
Travellers aged 12-17who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will be exempt from Australia’s entry restrictions if they travel with at least one parent or legal guardian who is fully vaccinated for international travel purposes.
Travellers below the age of 12are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry into Australia.

Note that the final of the required vaccine dose must be administered at least seven days prior to travelling to Australia. Travellers entering Australia are subject to following the relevant vaccination requirements in each state or territory. (Here are the contact details of all the Australian states’ and territories’ health departments.) Certain public events and activities, for example, may require proof of vaccination in order to gain entry.

I am an Australian citizen/permanent resident — do I need a vaccination certificate?

All travellers entering Australia must declare their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination may also be requested from Australian citizens and permanent residents when travelling out of the country. When checking in for your flight to Australia, you will be asked to present your COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the airline staff. If you were vaccinated in Australia, you can access your ICVC from the MyGov portal.

Will foreign vaccination certificates be accepted?

Yes, a foreign COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be accepted for entry into Australia as long as it has been issued by a national or state/provincial-level authority or an accredited vaccination provider. If the certificate is not presented in English, it must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Your name, date of birth and passport number or national identity number must be entered correctly as this information appears in your passport. The vaccine’s brand name and the date of each dose administered must also be indicated on the certificate.

I cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons — what now?

If you cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons, you must provide valid evidence of a medical contraindication to gain entry into Australia. If you have recorded a medical contraindication to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) for all COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia, you can access a COVID-19 digital certificate or immunisation history statement to submit as evidence for travel purposes. If you do not have a medical contraindication recorded in the AIR, you will need to provide a medical certificate that proves you cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to a medical condition.

Here is more information about temporary medical conditions for COVID-19 vaccination exemptions.

Do I need to present a negative pre-departure test?

No! As of 18 April, travellers entering or exiting Australia are no longer required to present a negative pre-departure test. Travellers arriving in Australia should however still complete a Digital Passenger Declaration within 72 hours of departure, while travellers arriving in Australia by sea must complete a Maritime Travel Declaration. As noted earlier, different states and territories may have different testing and vaccination requirements, so make sure you are up to date with the current COVID-19 rules and regulations of the region you are travelling to. All travellers, with the exception of children under the age of 11, must wear a mask for the duration of all flights.

Need global relocation services and assistance?
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to schedule a call even for corporate relocations to Australia!
For more insights into living, working, and travelling in Australia, take a look at Claymore Thistle’s relocation blog.

Here are 8 steps to help you move abroad

Dreaming of moving abroad, but have no idea where to start? We are here to help! Global relocation can be a complicated and intimidating journey to embark on, but with the right support on your side, you won’t have to suffer sleepless nights stressing about the logistics of moving abroad.

Take a look at these 8 steps to help you relocate to a different country.

Step 1: Decide on a relocation destination

The obvious first step is to decide where you want to move to. The main motivations for expats to move abroad include finding a new job, being relocated by their employer, attending school or university, seeking a better quality of life, accompanying a partner or family, and embarking on a new adventure or personal challenge. Your profession, family dynamic, available budget and travel preferences will all play a role in deciding where you want to relocate to.

Step 2: Find work abroad

Finding a sufficient source of income is arguably the most important step in the global relocation process. Moving abroad can be expensive, so you will need financial security to cover all relocation expenses. Unless you are self-employed or work remotely, it is best to secure a job before you get started with any other relocation administration. When relocating to a new country permanently, you’ll likely need to prove to the immigration authorities that your job skills and experience can contribute to the local economy. Your employment conditions will also affect the visa and work permit application process. At this stage, you could also start looking at school, university and daycare options for your kids, if this is relevant to your relocation situation.

Step 3: Get started with visa applications

Once you’ve decided on a country to move to, you’ll need to research visa requirements. Each country has different visa regulations that may further vary depending on your country of origin. Carefully research the different visa options and application requirements for the country you are moving to. Working with a relocation agent to apply for your visa will take a big load of stress off your shoulders. Enlisting professional help is especially useful if you need to battle through complicated work permit applications and organise visas for the rest of your family.

Step 4: Start looking for accommodation abroad

When planning a move abroad, it’s never too early to start researching accommodation options. More often than not, it’s better to look at temporary accommodation first to allow yourself time to get to know your new city before making any long-term contractual commitments. Deciding where you are going to live requires a great deal of consideration. Whether you’ll be working from home or commuting to the office every day, whether you’ll be using public or private transport to get around, whether you’ll be living alone or with family or roommates, and how much you are willing to spend on accommodation each month will all factor into this decision.

Step 5: Get the logistics in order

When relocating your entire life to a different country, there are plenty of logistical tasks to take care of. Figuring out how to pay utility bills in your new city, setting up water, electricity and/or gas, internet and mobile phone contracts, and more. Don’t worry about this too much — many of the things on this list will fall into place once you arrive and start settling into your new environment. Very important to consider is healthcare insurance. Before the big move, look into the healthcare options in your new country of residence. Depending on your situation, you could consider getting expat health insurance as well as general travel insurance to keep you covered in times of need.

You’ll also need to tie up a bunch of loose ends at home before you depart. This may include setting up a mail forwarding address, cancelling any subscriptions and services, managing your finances by converting to an international banking service (or going local in your new country), and getting your taxes in order. If you own property, you’ll need to decide whether you are going to sell or rent it out for extra income. You could appoint a property agent to manage this for you.

Step 6: Prepare for change

Moving abroad is a big step in anyone’s life. While a new pace of life is exciting, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you move to a country with major cultural and environmental differences from what you are used to. You could prepare for some of the changes you’ll be facing by talking to other people who have relocated to a different country in order to gain a bit of perspective. You could also join online expat communities to start networking and learning about your new city.

Further to this, you could start learning the language of the country you plan on relocating to. When moving to a foreign country, language barriers can make it particularly challenging to find your feet. Taking language acquisition classes, using language teaching apps, and immersing yourself in the language through music and movies can help to make the transition easier.

Step 7: Ship or sell your belongings

As you get closer and closer to the big day, you’ll need to pack up your house and either sell your belongings or ship them off to your new home. International shipping is a practical solution if you don’t want to get rid of your furniture and other personal items. Although it can be expensive, it might be more affordable than having to buy everything new once you arrive in your new city. Deciding whether to ship or to shop is really up to you.

Step 8: Book your flights

…And off you go! After months of planning and preparing, you are finally ready to pack your bags and order a cab to the airport!

Ready to move to a new country?
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to schedule a call for a wide range of global relocation services and corporate relocations.

What are the biggest challenges of global relocation?

Are you dreaming of embarking on a new adventure, but you are terrified by the thought of packing up your life and starting over in a different country? You’re not alone. Global relocation is an exciting prospect for many, yet the challenges of moving abroad often overwhelm people so much that they let go of the idea entirely.

If you have been thinking about moving to a different country, whether for work, family, or simply to kickstart a new chapter in your life, this article will unpack all the challenges of global relocation and set your mind at ease with useful tips and tricks.

Deciding where to move to

First up, how do you decide where to relocate to? If you’ve already got a job lined up in a foreign country or you’d like to join friends or family who live abroad, the decision is pretty much made for you. But if you work remotely, you run your own business, or you plan on finding a job once you arrive, the whole world lies ahead of you. Factors to consider when deciding where to relocate include your line of work, your budget, your lifestyle choices, your language capabilities, and and and. If you want to perfect your French and become a red wine connoisseur, France is an obvious relocation destination. If you want to live near the beach and learn to surf, Indonesia or Thailand will probably be on your list. Or, if you long for warm summers and adventure-packed weekends, Australia might just tick all your boxes.

Depending on where you are moving from, certain countries may be easier to relocate to in terms of visa applications and the overall cost of moving. The local cost of living is a major aspect to consider. If you don’t earn in local currency and at local income rates, your budget might be in conflict with the average living expenses in your new country of residence.

Once you’ve picked a country to move to, you’ll also need to choose a city and a specific suburb based on your needs and requirements. Do you want to live in the middle of the city, or do you prefer a quiet neighbourhood on the outskirts of town? Will you need to commute to the CBD every day for work? Do you have pets who need room to run around outside?

Don’t worry — you don’t need to spend years doing research on all the finer details of the city or country you plan to relocate to. Be smart with using resources! If you work with a relocation specialist, you can rest easy. A relocation expert will not only ensure that all the relocation administration is well taken care of but will also alleviate the stress of finding a home and settling into your new city.

Getting your visa documentation in order

Visa regulations differ from country to country and are also influenced by the country you are moving from. This process can be further complicated if you need to apply for a particular work visa. During corporate relocation, your employer will most likely assist you in the process of applying for and obtaining the correct visa and work permit. In the case of personal relocation, however, it is in your best interest to work with a professional agency to ensure you are eligible for the visa you are applying for and that you submit all the required application documentation error-free.

To give you a quick overview of the visa application process, the Australian government, for example, offers various visa types, each with its own set of requirements. The most common application requirements include English language competence, health examinations, and practising an eligible profession. Work visas are mostly accompanied by family visa applications, thereby enabling the applicant to bring their eligible family members with them upon relocation to Australia.

Finding accommodation

Now, for the big challenge: finding a place to live abroad. Whether you are renting or buying, finding the right home is a difficult mission to pull off, even when you are familiar with the local housing market and legal system. Factor in the added challenges of navigating the property landscape in a foreign country with a different currency and different legal considerations, and you might be ready to make a run for the hills!

While it is true that renting or buying property as a foreigner is more complicated than it is for locals, there is an easy solution to work through all these headaches. Enlisting a property agent will make this process a breeze. From searching for properties that meet your needs, setting up viewings on your behalf, negotiating contracts, arranging for temporary accommodation upon your arrival, and even helping to ship your goods from abroad to turn your new house into a home — your property specialist will become your new best friend in no time.

Shipping your belongings

On the topic of relocating your belongings, many people struggle with this question: is it better to ship your furniture and other home goods, or is it simpler and more affordable to sell your stuff and buy new things locally? International shipping rates are quite high at the moment. The cost of shipping your goods globally will depend on the volume or weight of the items, the distance of the journey, the time of year, and the customs duties and service charges of the destination port. While you may initially be put off by the expense of shipping all your belongings across the world, make sure you take the time to weigh up the cost of shipping against the cost of buying everything new.

(Read this article for more information about the pros, cons and costs of transporting your goods versus buying locally.)

Language and culture barriers

Many people struggle with adjusting to their new environment after global relocation. When moving to a foreign country where you are not familiar with the language and local culture, it is completely understandable that you may need some time to settle in. The quickest way to find your feet in a new country is to learn the language and become part of a community. Be patient and don’t be too hard on yourself! There are many ways to meet people and make friends — sign up for language classes, join an activity club such as a running club or book club where you can enjoy some of your hobbies with like-minded people, or become a member of a coworking space to network with fellow professionals.

Global relocation is no joke — we get that. But don’t let the initial challenges of relocation stand in the way of your biggest adventure yet!

Ready to relocate globally?
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to schedule a call for a wide range of global relocation services.

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