For those about to embark on your way home, what are some of the things
you need to ensure gets done?

Timecheck: 9 to 12 months before repatriation date

• Get in touch with your line managers and HR in your home country to confirm the repatriation date.

• Start updating colleagues, family and friends on your repatriation plans.

• Discuss your upcoming repatriation with close friends at the host location; fellow assignees or those who have traveled extensively may have helpful insights.

Timecheck: 6 to 9 months before repatriation

• Schedule for your exit interview.

• Get in touch with your line manager in the home country to talk about career opportunities and putting your acquired-skills into use.

• Consult a tax adviser on any tax requirements or compliance issues that may arise from your repatriation.

• Notify the landlord of you current location, as well as any tenants you may have in your home country.

• Discuss with HR on whether what currency your compensation should be paid in.

• Do the necessary paperwork for children’s schools, such as obtaining school transcripts and certificates.

Timecheck: 1 to 6 Months before repatriation

• Arrange for return shipping of household goods (and pets) and removal of goods from storage.

• Purchase air tickets home.

• Close bank accounts in host location.

• Arrange all the necessary accomodation details.

• Cancel all mail subscriptions or redirect them to your new address.

• Update HR on new address and contact details.

• Set aside time to say goodbye to local friends and colleagues, making plans to stay in touch with those with whom you wish to keep in contact.

After repatriation

• Discuss with line managers and HR on how you can utilise the skills you’ve acquired.

• Stay in touch with colleagues and people that you met in your host location.

• Provide HR with a critique and constructive feedback on your expatriation assignment and the processes in which it can be improved upon.