Three quarters of contractors want to work abroad

Nick Elvin

More than three quarters of all contractors would like to work abroad, according to a survey by international professional services consultancy Procorre.

According to the research, the main motivation is a higher take-home pay, with 55% of the 77% who expressed a desire to move overseas giving it as a reason. A better work-life balance was cited by 52%, while the experience of living and working abroad was mentioned by 44%.

Procorre says higher take home pay can be the result of higher salaries for working in remote or dangerous locations, or when there is a particular skills shortage within the country and talented contractors are in high demand. It can also be due to lower tax in certain countries.

Lisa Mangan, relationship manager at Procorre, said: “Tax benefits and higher salaries are a real temptation for contractors that are considering working abroad. For those willing to make the move there are some highly rewarded opportunities abroad.

“However, the attractive benefits packages and greater take home pay are often there to entice contractors to remote or even dangerous locations.”

Respondents were also asked for their concerns about working abroad. 52% of contractors said security risk was was a concern, while 30% said their family did not want to relocate. 27% did not want to leave their family and friends behind.

“Relocating to dangerous areas can be a troubling prospect,” Mangan added. “Many employers will help the contractor with personal security for themselves and their family. But some of the contractors we advise often need help negotiating with their employer over personal security arrangements.”

Meanwhile, the survey found that the three biggest problems faced by contractors moving abroad were:

• Obtaining a work permit (cited by 49% of contractors);
• Dealing with tax authorities (45%);
• Understanding the expenses system (40%).