Secure in the knowledge

Personal security and safety are, for many assignees and frequent business travellers, two of the most important considerations overseas. In certain regions of the world and in specific countries national values of security and safety may be well below the norm expected by assignees.

Informed approach
A professional and informed approach to personal safety awareness should assess driving hazards, maintenance and safety in national airlines, the capability of fire services, effectiveness of medical support, attitudes of national police and the impact of judicial processes.
Individuals who have never lived or worked abroad may feel exposed and vulnerable. They will need help on how to get professional advice and security support. Large multinationals usually have retained on-board security advisers but many companies or agencies do not.

Potential threats
The cost of locating and maintaining expatriates overseas is extremely high and, therefore, it is important to avoid unnecessary risks which might end an assignment prematurely. It is prudent for corporations to invest in time and funds to provide security support for expatriates. The level of budget commitment will obviously depend upon the level of threat to be faced. In many countries in Sub-Sahara Africa problems of political instability and severe civil unrest are predictable, as are security costs. Others like Indonesia more recently, are potential threat areas for expatriates with unforeseen costs and risks which may accelerate.

Expatriates and business people may live and operate in countries of high unemployment and severe poverty where social and medical services are non-existent. These conditions usually lead to serious levels of crime: on the street, in vehicles and against residential and commercial property. A further problem may be the doubtful support of the police who may have low morale and be poorly paid. In many countries it is the army and not the police that quickly responds to problems of civil unrest and militant strikes. Other areas of concern for executives are pressures from corrupt business practices and the involvement, however remote, with persons in government who are connected with drug trafficking.

The most vulnerable period for expatriates is the first three months after arrival when the executive is heavily committed to taking over a job and the family unit is left to cope with a bewildering and sometimes risky domestic environment.

Who is at risk?
Profiles of multinationals, individual job positions and the working environment will also affect the threat spectrum. For example, marketing executives will attract considerable attention to themselves and their families. Oil company executives are generally regarded as opulent, bankers are at higher risk and food production companies generally create a bland image for their executives. Social support agencies will usually be accepted at face value and have a relatively trouble-free lifestyle except in conditions of severe unrest and civil war when they are very exposed to hazards. Fortunately the great majority of individuals and family units, using common sense and accepting advice, have uneventful visits overseas.

Family security
The objective of the short Security Awareness modules offered on briefings at Farnham Castle, where relevant, is to provide a general, balanced approach to security (and safety) problems in the country of assignment.

The working partner may be based in one country but also involved in much internal travel or frequent visits to other countries. This can leave the family unit alone for days or weeks. Therefore, the bottom line of the Security Awareness module is the well being and security of the family unit.