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When it Comes to a Job Transfer, the Most Likely Destinations for Singapore-based Workers are the United States, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, According to Relocation Leader Cartus

Singapore-Based Expats Face Country-Specific Challenges -- From Finding Suitable Housing to School Placement Issues
Cartus
2016-01-29 02:12 4250

SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore-based employees who received a job transfer in 2015 were most likely to be relocated to one of these three countries for their new assignment: the United States, Hong Kong, or the United Kingdom, according to Cartus, a leading provider of global relocation services.

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For Singapore-based expats, each of these destination countries poses its own unique and often formidable challenges, according to Cartus' Trends in Global Relocation: 2015 Biggest Challenges survey.

"Although the United States is the number-one destination for Singapore-based employees, it is also a country that ranks at the top for challenges," said Kenneth Kwek, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cartus Asia Pacific. "Hong Kong and the UK ranked second and third, respectively. Each country has its own specific challenges for international assignees, and advance preparation is key to success," Kwek said.

United States: Top Destination, Top Challenge

Singapore expats and their companies can expect significant challenges when it comes to transferring employees to the United States, especially in the area of housing, where the rental market for expats is becoming tighter, costs are rising, and some landlords are requesting more payments up front. Rural locations, not traditionally a destination for incoming expats, pose issues in terms of lack of available housing. Ongoing exchange-rate fluctuations have also affected some expat housing budgets.

Hong Kong: Lack of International School Places a Problem

Although Hong Kong is the second most-frequent destination for Singapore-based employees, those with children will typically find school places difficult to obtain.

Despite the announcement of a new building schedule, with new schools opening this year and in 2018, the lack of international school places in Hong Kong is a key issue.

Relocating families with school-age children should plan well in advance in order to obtain a school place.

United Kingdom: Housing and Compliance Issues Pose Challenges

Singapore-based expats on their way to the UK can expect issues with housing and compliance. For instance, housing demand outstrips supply for rental properties, especially in London, where price growth tops other areas of the UK.

Additionally, tighter immigration rules in the UK mean employers should plan relocations well in advance and allow more time for visa processing.

To request the 2015 Trends in Global Relocation: Biggest Challenges survey, click here. A summary of the survey is available here.

About Cartus
For more than 60 years, Cartus has provided trusted guidance to organizations of all types and sizes that require global relocation solutions. Cartus serves more than half of the Fortune 50 and in 2015 moved employees into and out of 185 countries, providing the full spectrum of relocation services, including language and intercultural training. Cartus is part of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. To find out how our greater experience, reach, and hands-on guidance can help your company, visit www.cartus.com; read our blog; or click www.realogy.com for more information.

For Immediate Release / Contact:


Jane Bergman at +44 (0)1793 756003           

Hugh Siler at 1-949.646.6966

jane.bergman@cartus.com                        

hugh@silerandcompany.com

Source: Cartus
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