As India steps forward to encourage more foreign partnerships in the year 2018; many overseas companies look forward to gaining a stronger foothold in the country. Therefore, the influx of foreign workers in the country is increasing with the demand of foreign industrial establishment in the country. Top global multinational companies are setting up their regional headquarters in different parts of India, bringing in expats to join their workforce post understanding the expat dynamics established already. Some cities like Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Gujarat at present are more expat friendly mainstream cities in terms of quality of living. The cost of living in India is low as compared to other countries. Also, around 48% of PMR's expat clients reported that India is more cost effective in raising children than in their country.
With the rising foreign establishments shifting their base to city outskirts with limited resources, the role of relocation industry is also evolving to accommodate and adapt to the needs of the current expat dynamics. Companies planning to relocate to the city outskirts/remote locations should be prepared with various basic and advance amenities for their employees.
In-order for companies to set-up their offices in such locations they need to set-up a well-planned city for their expat employee. Facilities such as homes, schools/colleges, malls, better governance, transportation, telecommunication and electricity, connectivity to air and sea ports tops the list of concerns mentioned by expats living in the country. These concerns need to be addressed rightly in order to build a faithful and sustainable ecosystem for expats talents. Concerns of the cost of electricity and lack of skilled man-power is also high in old hubs which are looking for new avenues and exposure to accommodate expat attention. Old hubs such as Chakan near Pune and Surat are struggling in getting an international airport, simpler regulations and better governance.
When an expat relocates to India he/she and their families are immediately greeted with cultural shock. There are numerous challenges which they have to face starting from adapting to a different culture, language, varied religious practices and extreme weather condition to name a few. Apart from this expat wives face difficulty in finding a school for their kids, finding a point of contact for home search and thereafter finding a trustworthy friend which might help them understand the new environment. One of the major necessity apart from the above is the requirement for a driver, cook and a cleaner to support their family stay in the country. When moving to city outskirts one may not have access to them which is where understanding the current expat dynamics play's a role.
As stepping into a new country and a new neighbourhood can be a daunting experience, it is here that PMR, my company aims to bring a complete hand-holding experience for our customers by extending a helping hand, with home search, school search, cultural orientation and settling-in facilities. As an established relocation company in the country we have a good network with the varied expat communities in India where we help expats associate with credible expat groups and forums to not only interact with people from their native place but also understand the traditions and culture of India while they enjoy a pleasant stay in the country.
