Case Study | Facilitating a Successful Repatriation

Case Study | Facilitating a Successful Repatriation

After 14 years of residency in Dubai, a family was relocated back to Italy. The children, aged 14 and 12, had predominantly grown up in Dubai. One month following the relocation, the family found themselves facing significant challenges associated with adjusting to their new environment.

Challenge

After 14 years of residency in Dubai, a family was relocated back to Italy. The children, aged 14 and 12, had predominantly grown up in Dubai. Their familiarity with Italy was limited to annual visits to family and friends, and their education had been conducted in English, resulting in a constrained proficiency in the Italian language.

One month following the relocation, the family found themselves facing significant challenges associated with adjusting to their new environment. The children encountered difficulties typical of their developmental stages, compounded by their limited Italian language skills, which hindered both their academic performance and social integration. Meanwhile, the spouse also struggled during this transition and faced the need to redefine her professional identity. Concurrently, the transferee grappled with feelings of inadequacy regarding his decision to return to Italy, prompting him to question the rationale behind the transfer with the company's HR department.

Solution

To facilitate the family's transition, NetExpat provided a comprehensive Repatriation Support Program tailored for both the husband and wife. This program aimed to enhance their understanding of the emotions associated with returning home after an extended absence and to equip them with strategies to assist themselves and their children in overcoming the challenges of repatriation.

Additionally, the children participated in a youth repatriation training program that addressed age-specific concerns. Each child received individualized attention from their NetExpat Consultant, who customized the sessions based on their unique needs, providing practical tools to help them acclimate to their new environment and foster a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, the transferee's spouse was offered a Partner Assistance Program designed to support her professional transition. This program included guidance on identifying suitable job opportunities aligned with her qualifications and aspirations, as well as strategies for effectively navigating the local job market, networking techniques, interview preparation, and negotiation skills.

Outcome

Initially, this period presented significant challenges for the family; however, with the support and assistance provided by NetExpat and their designated experts, the situation became more manageable. The family expressed gratitude for the attention and understanding they received from the transferee's employer and NetExpat, as well as for the practical tools and guidance offered to facilitate a successful transition.

Investment

The modest investment in Repatriation Support can significantly strengthen the sustainability of a corporation's assignment investment. By providing comprehensive resources and services to employees returning to their home country, organizations not only enhance their long-term talent strategy but also ensure that their workforce remains engaged and productive. Additionally, this investment showcases the value an organization places on the well-being of its employees and their families, fostering a supportive environment that encourages loyalty and commitment. Such initiatives demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that can ultimately lead to greater employee satisfaction and retention, benefiting the corporation as a whole.