Want to Work Abroad? These Are the Benefits of Being an Expat

As global trends evolve, more people are choosing to live, settle, and work outside their home countries. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as expatriation.

An expatriate is not merely a foreign individual residing in another country but plays a significant role in strengthening inter-country relations in areas such as the economy, culture, and beyond.

This article will delve into what it means to be an expatriate, how it differs from immigrants and inpatriates, steps to becoming an expatriate, the benefits of expatriation, and real-world examples and data on expatriates in Indonesia.

By understanding these aspects, you can see how life as an expatriate allows individuals to explore the world while advancing their careers. 

What Is an Expatriate?

An expatriate is an individual who resides outside their home country for work or other specific activities while maintaining their original citizenship.

Expatriates may live abroad temporarily or even settle permanently. However, unlike immigrants, expatriates do not change their citizenship.

Typically, expatriates relocate for professional purposes, such as working for multinational companies or managing specific projects. They often possess specialized skills that are in demand in the labor markets of the host country.

Differences Between Expatriates and Immigrants

If expatriates are foreigners living abroad, how do they differ from immigrants? To clarify, here are the distinctions: 

Expatriates

Expatriates are individuals who live outside their home country while maintaining their original citizenship. They usually work on specific contracts and have clear professional objectives in the foreign country.

Immigrants

Immigrants are individuals who choose to leave their home country and permanently settle in a new country. They often move to seek better opportunities, whether for work, education, or quality of life.

Differences Between Expatriates and Inpatriates

While the term expatriateis familiar, you may also have come across the term " inpatriate."Although they sound similar, there are fundamental differences in their roles, workplace locations, and purposes.

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Expatriates

Expatriates move from their home country to another country to work or contribute for a specific period.

Inpatriates

Inpatriates are individuals from abroad who are relocated to their employer's home country. They often work at the company's headquarters or branch office in the home country, unlike expatriates, who work abroad.

How to Become an Expatriate

There are several pathways to becoming an expatriate. Common approaches include:

Expatriate Selection

Large or multinational companies often provide opportunities for employees to become expatriates through international rotation programs or internal selections. These programs enable high-performing employees to be transferred to overseas offices to enhance their skills and experience.

Working for Foreign Companies Domestically

If you work for a foreign company operating in your country, you may have the chance to be relocated to the company’s home country or other international branches.

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Networking

Sometimes, becoming an expatriate involves leveraging connections in the destination country. These contacts can open doors to job offers or opportunities to live and work abroad.

Benefits of Becoming an Expatriate

Being an expatriate offers more than just the chance to work abroad—it also provides numerous benefits that can enhance quality of life, career growth, and personal experiences. These include:

Higher Salary

Expatriates often receive higher salaries compared to local workers, as they bring specialized skills to the host country. Companies may also provide additional allowances to cover living expenses.

Skill Development

Living and working abroad offers opportunities to develop both professional and personal skills, such as adapting to new cultures, expanding international networks, and learning foreign languages.

Work and Travel

Expatriates can explore new places, experience different cultures, and enjoy a diverse lifestyle, making the overseas working experience more fulfilling.

Owning Property Abroad

Many expatriates choose to invest in property in the country where they work, providing long-term financial benefits, especially in markets with favorable property opportunities.

Examples of Expatriates

Expatriates work in various sectors. Prominent examples include professionals employed by global organizations like the UN, UNICEF, or WHO, assigned to foreign countries for humanitarian missions or development programs. 

Additionally, employees of multinational corporations such as Google, Apple, or Microsoft are often placed in international offices to support global operations.

Technical experts or specialized workers engaged in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as building factories, oil refineries, or technological facilities abroad, are also classified as expatriates.

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Technical experts or specialized workers engaged in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as building factories, oil refineries, or technological facilities abroad, are also classified as expatriates.

Expatriates in Indonesia: Current Statistics

The presence of expatriates in Indonesia has become commonplace. According to data from the Ministry of Manpower, the number of foreign workers in Indonesia reached 96,570 in May 2022 and continues to grow annually. 

Most expatriates in Indonesia reside in Jakarta, reflecting the city’s status as a prime destination for foreign professionals seeking career opportunities.

This profession not only attracts foreign workers but also contributes significantly to the development of various industrial sectors in Indonesia.

With this overview, this article aims to provide a clearer understanding of expatriates, their differences from immigrants, how to become one, and the advantages of expatriation, offering insights into the global working lifestyle.