On 31st January 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union. A transition period followed, lasting until 31st December 2020 during which time, freedom of movement continued to apply. This transition period ends on 1st January 2021, which means you will have to apply for a new status as a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement.
“So, what do you do?” is perhaps the most often asked question in any given social situation. It’s not surprising then that we often believe our identity to be wrapped up with our careers. But what happens when you move abroad? Can you continue to further your career as a trailing partner, or will you feel left behind during your partner’s foreign assignment? Finding the answer might not be as difficult as you expect…
The scale and impact of the novel coronavirus and subsequent quarantine measures have led us all into uncharted territory. As the pandemic continues to evolve, our serviced apartment providers have been working hard to ensure they are able to provide tenants and staff with a safe and hygienic environment. We wanted to find out how our accommodation providers have experienced the past eight months and how they are coping now that we are back in lockdown. Our thanks go out to everyone who responded to our informal callout for feedback.
Initially, Belgium kept a conservative position on the EU recommendations for border reopening and travel from outside the EU was highly restricted. Belgium only considered EU Blue Card Holders as essential highly skilled workers exempt from the travel ban.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 17th: It appears private individuals may now view properties, providing no one else is on site at the time.
The lockdown instated on Monday November 2nd has called for all non-essential businesses to close. The list of allowed commercial activities is more extensive than during the first lockdown, but under the current governmental guidelines property viewings, and entry and exit surveys are forbidden.
AIRINC’s annual Mobility Outlook Survey shares insights, strategies, and challenges of 168 best practice global organisations. This year’s survey takes a closer look on how mobility is becoming increasingly focused on delivering value to customers. Many are leveraging technology and vendor partnerships to streamline operations and improve the mobility experience. When asked for this year’s priorities, 69% of participants selected simplifying administration, 63% chose enhancing the employee experience, and 48% indicated improving communications with the business. Proactively engaging customers for input, evergreen policy reviews, and searching the market for leading products, services, and technology are now part of Mobility’s regular activities. AIRINC has identified three key areas that support this general trend: making good decisions, ensuring effective governance and communicating creatively. We bring you the main highlights from this report.
Over 232 million people relocate annually to all corners of the globe, yet only a fraction receive professional support from relocation service providers. Millions of foreign assignees are left to find their own way around their new home country, with varying levels of success. The brand new platform Xpatris.com aims to help smooth their entry into Belgium by providing immediate access to the most essential information. We spoke with cofounder Salvatore Orlando to find out more.
Belgium’s talented Ann-Sophie Van Lommel has been intrigued by performing since she was a little girl. At a certain moment, Belgium became too small and she decided to pack her belongings and leave everything behind to follow her dream of becoming an actress. She applied for a two year education at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting, booked herself a flight, and moved to L.A.
Anne-Sophie Van Lommel. Image by Yvel Sagaille.
As you may be aware, the ABRA Board focuses its efforts through dedicated committees for each theme: relocation, membership, events and communication. By bundling our strengths we are able to work more effectively and efficiently, however, it’s not just board members who drive our committees. Any ABRA member can join and even chair a committee. We are always seeking new insights and bright ideas on how we can move our association forward. Ideas such as the creation of our brand new membership category specifically for freelance relocation consultants.
With so many outstanding sessions and thought provoking speakers at this year’s EuRA conference, it wasn’t easy choosing one to feature. However, the session on identifying trends discussed important global meta trends and their impact on the mobility industry. Recurring themes throughout the conference included rising costs and dropping prices, the changing scope of work, the rising popularity of the lump sum relocation and systematic under-investment in technology. Moderator Francis Edmonds spoke with Bill Graebel, owner and CEO of Greabel Companies and Chairman and CEO of Dwellworks Bob Rosen to get their take on these issues.
from left to right: Bob Rosen, Bill Graebel and Francis Edmonds