Globalization has made it increasingly easy for people to work abroad while staying easily connected with their homelands. Remote workers and skilled workers alike have been enjoying the benefits of seeing the world while making a living.
However, few people ever talk about the potential safety concerns that come with working overseas . Here are a few simple tips on how to stay safe while working abroad to ensure you have the most fulfilling experience possible.
Know the Law and Customs
It is very important to understand the local laws and regulations of the new country you visit. Countries like Saudi Arabia might have much stricter laws than you are used to and it is up to you to thoroughly understand what your rights are as a foreigner.
Some countries practice gender segregation, have bans on alcohol, and even have capital punishment for drug offenses so make sure you know what local law dictates and stay on the right side of it. This also goes for work permits. Make sure you have all the right documentation in place to work abroad to stay within the legal limits your new home has set in place.
You should also know local customs and respect them. Small things like hand gestures, clothing, and language use might seem insignificant to you but they could be wildly offensive or inappropriate to others. Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues or neighbors about local customs, they will be more than happy to help you respect their way of life.
You should also familiarise yourself with the LGBTQ+ centiment in your new destination. Some behaviour is strictly forbidden while other countries have relaxed laws but conservative public opinions. It is important to respect these outlooks when you are abroad, even though they might not align with your own views and values.
Get Your Emergency Contacts in Place
It might be difficult to have an emergency contact in a new country when you just arrive, but you can always add an employer or co-worker as your emergency contact while you get settled. Have an emergency contact’s details written down and this includes someone from back home. You should also give access to your personal information to someone you trust in case you are not able to respond.
You should also know the contact information for your embassy or closest representative and understand the procedure of getting in touch with them. It might not always be as simple as a phone call or email so make sure you understand how it works.
Follow the News
When you work abroad you should keep your finger on the pulse of local news and developments. It’s easy to follow global events but you need to sign up for local newsletters and follow smaller newsagents to know what is happening in your city or neighborhood.
Social, political, and economic developments could affect your day-to-day existence or your work circumstances so stay up to date.
People who teach in Poland need to know about the immigration situation, those who work offshore in Mozambique are informed about terrorist threats, and expats in South Africa learn about service delivery protests. Each country has its own struggles so know what you are faced with in your new country and find out how it affects you.
Know the public health situation
When you get to a new country you must familiarise yourself with the public health system and understand how emergency services work. Learn how you call an ambulance and how the hospital system operates.
Moreover, you must be aware of any public health threats in the country. Keep an eye on the epidemiological situation and know if there are any transmittable diseases in the area. Malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are all very real risks in tropical areas while rabies is prevalent in countries with many stray animals.
You should also have sufficient health insurance to cover your medical expenses, whether it is provided by your employer or if you purchase it yourself. Double check the vaccination requirements for your destination and stay up to date with the latest changes in these mandates.
Get used to public transport
Public transport is your safest option when it comes to getting around. Foreigners who are not used to the driving style and the rules of the road become a hazard to themselves and others so avoid this by getting familiar with trains, buses, and trams.
This being said, you should also remain vigilant as public transport is often a hotbed for criminal activity. Find out if there are any stations or stops you should avoid and stay aware of your surroundings as pickpockets love staying active at busy transport hubs.
Try to Blend In
Blending in is something that comes with time but it is an important aspect of staying safe while abroad. Tourists are a target for criminals and they attract scammers like moths to a flame. As soon as you start to dress appropriately and follow local social practices and customs, you start to shed the target on your back.
Even knowing a few simple phrases in a local language will make you distinguishable from other tourists, helping you to avoid being overcharged or swindled.
Other things to consider:
- Look into the local weather systems and disaster predictions. Are you staying in a hurricane-prone area or will you be seeing wildfires in the summer? Know which potential natural disasters might hit and how to react to them.
- Know what kinds of crime to be on the lookout for. In some countries, you might see gang violence while others have higher rates of petty crimes.
- Be aware of the health risks of food and water. Water safety standards aren’t the same everywhere and some foods might also have a high risk of contamination.
- Find out if your embassy has an alert system and sign up for any newsletters they offer. This will keep you up to date with the latest area-specific information.
Working abroad isn’t as scary as many might lead you to believe, but there are a few precautions you can take to ensure you have a memorable and safe time while working in another country.
Resources:
https://www.bestvalueschools.com/lists/safety-tips-for-working-abroad/
https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-when-working-abroad
https://www.goabroad.com/articles/jobs-abroad/stay-safe-abroad-expat
