Compliance issues associated with International Recruitment

By Paul Whittle General Manager Benson Chase Recruitment

With the current skilled labour shortage being experienced world wide many firms are looking at international recruitment options. There are many things to consider when looking at the process beyond recruitment and relocation.

Selecting international candidates and relocating the candidates are generally handled by specialist firms. Immigration is a very important part of the international recruitment exercise and your firm must be aware of compliance issues and conform to all in order to maintain your legal requirements. If you are to take international recruitment seriously you need to appoint a migration agent to take care of all your immigration issues or at least to obtain some advice on compliance issues.

There are so many compliance issues your firm will encounter which you many not be aware of such as

Minimum salary levels
Number of working hours/overtime
Payroll deductions
Housing/accommodation
Health insurance
Working environment
Schooling
Other employer responsibilities

All of these have ramifications if not met correctly visaís can be revoked non compliance can lead to your business being refused future visa opportunities. Whilst serious breaches also have legal consequences which are assessed on a case by case situation.

Many firms take advice from other businesses which can be incorrect or simply out dated with new regulations. Recently there have been quite a few changes in the requirements for employers and there are many more to follow. All of these changes can affect your international recruitment program. However most regulations arenít very complex they just need to be known, understood and put into practise.

Immigration is such an important part of the overall international recruitment process and should be handled professionally to maintain your credibility. Put simply get the right advice the first time so you fully aware of your rights and responsibilities and your international recruitment will be a positive component of your overall recruitment and training strategy.