The UAE is quickly transforming into a hub for professionals seeking new and diverse opportunities, making the global talent pool here increasingly impressive. If your employees express interest in relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other major city in the UAE, it can be just as beneficial for the employer as it is for the employee. While those who choose to relocate to the UAE are opening the door to a world of possibilities, just like any international move, the change can take some adapting to.
Our expert international movers at Allied UAE have helped countless individuals and families on the journey. Through this, they have gleaned some helpful information on how you as an employer can help to support your employees during their move.
Choosing the UAE
There is an ever-growing list of reasons why professionals are choosing to move to the UAE for work.
For the employee
One of these reasons is the versatility and array of areas of opportunities here. Whether it’s construction, real estate, healthcare, education, financial services, or any of a wide range of industries, professionals from so many sectors can find success in the UAE.
The UAE is a key location for international business. That’s why working here affords workers unmatched global professional exposure, helping them to develop skills, form a network, and open the door to future opportunities.
Professionals who relocate to the UAE for work will also benefit from a tax-free income at competitive rates, without compromising on quality of life.
For the employer
By assisting in your employees’ move to the UAE, your business can also reap some attractive benefits. While your staff work and network in the UAE, this will help to create a business presence for your company, unlocking potential further growth and development.
Facilitating international relocations has also been shown to increase employee retention rates, as it allows individuals to travel and gain life experience without the need to resign.
So, not only can supporting a relocation to the UAE boost your business, it can also help to slow staff turnover.
Planning the Move
There are a number of steps for employers to take in the planning phase of their employees’ relocation.
Work rights
As with most countries around the world, individuals who want to work in the UAE need to be approved for the relevant visa or work permit. There are varying requirements based on whether the employee will be working remotely for a company based outside the UAE, or if they will be working for an Arab entity.
To avoid confusion or possible refusal of entry upon arrival, it’s important to ensure that the individual applies for and is granted the appropriate visa.
Financial assistance
From shipping and packing services to flights and accommodation, overseas moves can become expensive quite quickly. As a means of supporting employees during this process, many companies fund or subsidise elements of the move. This can be an immense help for employees getting set up in their new home, especially if they are making the move with family.
Cultural acclimation
The UAE has a radically different culture to many other countries, which may be particularly surprising to those relocating from typical western cultures. To prepare and support your employees in adjusting to this, it might be a good idea to provide them with educational resources on cultural norms, and appropriate behaviour and attire expectations.
If your English-speaking employees will be settling into one of the UAE’s major cities, then they are unlikely to face a large language barrier. That being said, it can be useful to learn a few key words or phrases in Arabic, the country’s official language.
Maintaining Support
As long as your employees are in the UAE, they’ll need continuing support from their employer.
Open communication
Keeping the lines of communication open while your employees are overseas is an imperative part of supporting their journey. Having frequent check-ins, whether that’s via video call or email also helps to keep on track with any developments, and manage expectations for all involved.
Future developments
While maintaining communication with your employees in the UAE, you can use this as an opportunity to gain insight into their experience. This way, you can learn from it, using the information to support future relocations for the benefit of both the company and the employees.
Assistance All the Way
When your employees are ready to
move to Dubai, our expert moving team at Allied will be there to help at every step of the way. Our comprehensive services cover everything you could need for a
corporate relocation, so
contact Allied UAE to get planning.