Just under a quarter (23%) of expatriate respondents move abroad to gain increased pay and benefits, according to research by global healthcare organisation Axa PPP International.
Its survey of 501 expatriates living in a country different to that of their birth also found that 55% of respondents who have moved abroad for better pay and benefits agree that the move had met their expectations.
The research also found:
- 15% of respondents relocate abroad to work to achieve a better work-life balance, and 52% of respondents who moved for this reason feel that it met their expectations.
- 30% of respondents move abroad for better career opportunities, and 38% of these respondents agree the relocation had matched their expectations.
- 14% of respondents move to a different country to work in order to gain a better environment to raise a family, and 68% of these respondents agree the move had lived up to their expectations.
- 58% of respondents cite wrapping up their role and responsibilities in the UK as the most important thing to organise before leaving home to work in a new country. Other priorities include making arrangements for family members staying behind (42%), transferring finances from one country to another (37%), selling their car (33%), and cancelling or amending insurance and utilities (32%).
Tom Wilkinson (pictured), chief executive officer, global healthcare business at Axa, said: “It’s true that moving abroad can present some fantastic opportunities for career development, many of which may not be as readily available at home. Moving abroad, expats might be given the chance to learn about new emerging markets or experience different customer segments as well as enjoy lifestyle benefits such as an improved work-life balance.
“That said, it’s important to remain realistic and suitably prepare for what’s ahead so that expectations are more likely to be met. In certain countries, such as New Zealand, for example, wages are typically higher than those in the UK. However, this tends to be indicative of other factors such as higher local living costs.”