An expatriation to a high-risk or conflict zone requires more preparation than an expatriation. Expatriates are exposed to varying degrees of security risks and dangers, depending on the country concerned. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your expatriation in complete safety.
Knowing the risks before moving abroad
To begin with, study the country and city proposed for your expatriation assignment. Analyze the political climate, health conditions, crime rate and climatic trends of the country and city. American and European poverty is in no way similar to the dilapidation, famine and extreme poverty of many African countries, for example. The political situation can be tense, leading to widespread strikes, revolts or coups d’état. This can be dangerous for expatriates. The same applies to the insecurity of countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Madagascar or the DRC. These countries have high crime rates, and foreign expatriates are not necessarily easily integrated into the local community.
Finally, be prepared for the natural disasters and climatic hazards that often ravage certain countries. Once you’ve got a better idea of the country, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate the terms of your expatriation.
Which countries are the riskiest?
There are certain countries or areas to avoid. Security risks are higher in some countries than others.
Here is a list of countries with very high security risks, which are regularly shaken by attacks, wars or military interventions. They are listed as the countries most affected by terrorism: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Palestine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Some twenty other countries are also listed as dangerous for expatriates (kidnappings and attacks). They include: Algeria, Bolivia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mexico, Madagascar, Niger, Peru, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Venezuela.
Specialized websites on world crises provide information on the level of danger in the chosen country, as well as news on each country. Anticipation is essential to prevent risks.
How to dress for travel?
Dress codes vary widely from country to country. To integrate and respect the local population, you’ll need to take any dress customs into account. Living as an expatriate generates culture shock.
A shock that also affects clothing. Dress includes belonging to a social class, an age group, a gender… Dress therefore places us in society and indicates whether or not we respect the rules. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women must wear a veil covering both body and hair. In India, shorts are avoided for both men and women. Showing one’s legs is frowned upon in this country. In Japan, social status determines how you dress at work.
Expatriating therefore also means getting to know and adapt to local customs. You’ll need to respect certain rules if you don’t want to offend the modesty of the locals, or even expose yourself to violent reactions.
What can you do to avoid having your belongings stolen while you’re abroad?
Discretion is one of the most important rules when traveling. Your safety is at stake. Jewelry and other valuable accessories attract attention and covetousness, so it’s a good idea to leave them at home, out of sight. Remember to make a photocopy of your important documents and send it to yourself by e-mail (identity papers, card numbers, etc.). In the event of loss or theft, you’ll always have them to hand, making it easier to produce them again. When you enter a country, photocopy the page of your visa with the entry stamp and keep it in a different place from your passport. If you lose your passport, you’ll find it easier to exit the country.
The best destinations for expatriates
Criteria such as expatriate quality of life, relocation budget and job market were taken into account to draw up a list of the best destinations for expatriates. These include
– Costa Rica: One of the safest countries in Latin America. It’s a safe country with no army. What’s more, its inhabitants know how to welcome foreigners, so it’s easy to make local friends.
– Portugal: The quality of life, the welcoming nature of its inhabitants, its landscapes… all the elements you need to move to Portugal with peace of mind.
– Taiwan: Order, cleanliness and safety are the main qualities of this country. In full economic development, it is very promising in terms of job opportunities.
– Singapore: Singapore’s major asset is its security, which reassures expatriates who go there. What’s more, it’s brimming with career opportunities. Singapore’s education system is world-renowned for its excellence and high standards. GivenSingapore’s attractiveness to expatriates, the issuance of work visas has fallen sharply.
– Canada: The healthcare system is highly appreciated by expatriates, and the job market is very dynamic. Last but not least, Canada’s natural environment is ideal.
Take out expatriate insurance for a safe trip
When we talk about the dangers of expatriation, we also mean the risks of illness or injury. Health care coverage varies greatly from one country to another. In a foreign country, an illness or accident often takes on a different dimension. Not least because of the expenses involved, especially in the event of hospitalization. Food poisoning, road accidents, urinary tract infections, hospitalization and even bites from stray dogs are all possible risks….
Taking out international health insurance is essential if you want to leave with peace of mind.
Expatriate insurance can be taken out by anyone living outside their country of nationality, expatriating abroad or outside their country of origin, for any length of time. Whether you’re self-employed, an artist, a company executive, a craftsman…
