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When the employees who were deployed abroad for a long period of time to work on an assignment return to their home country, it is known as repatriation.
Having a clear plan and expectations for what repatriation will involve is essential both for the employer and the employee in advance of the assignment ends.
HR professionals should hold career discussions before departing to manage to repatriate expectations. What role will the employee be returning to? Will it be their old job or one that suits their skills and experience?
Returning employees, for instance, will expect to be offered career advancement opportunities and advancement in line with their enhanced capabilities. This is where international experience is part of a wider talent development and training program. A suitable senior role might be offered, or, if one did not exist, additional creative ways could be created. This is to motivate and encourage returning assignees to stay within your organization after getting back from an assignment.
It may also be necessary for the employee to receive practical support for resettlement, such as finding new accommodations and enrolling children in school, depending on the duration of the assignment.
The purpose of repatriation can vary, but it generally serves several necessities:
Completing International Assignments and Projects: When employees finish their assignments abroad, companies bring them back to their home office. The goal is to reintegrate them into the company, allowing them to apply the new skills and experiences they gained overseas.
Reintegrating into Society and Culture: For the one who have lived abroad, whether as workers, refugees, or expatriates, repatriation helps them rejoin their own society and culture. It’s about reconnecting with familiar environments and people after a long time away.
Restoring Cultural and Emotional Stability: After living in a foreign country, many people seek the emotional and cultural stability that comes from returning home. Repatriation helps them reconnect with family, friends, and their own cultural roots, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Settling Legal and Financial Matters: Companies and individuals use repatriation to handle legal and financial issues in their home country. For example, employees may need to settle financial obligations or return assets after living abroad.
Meeting Legal or Immigration Requirements: Sometimes, repatriation is necessary to comply with immigration laws. If someone no longer has legal status in a foreign country, they may need to return home to meet legal requirements or avoid deportation.