These days the number of expat women equal the expat men, however, certain countries have more favourable conditions and policies towards expat women than others. The recent HSBC report has highlighted 7 destinations that are most preferred by expat women.

Women expats are growing in numbers

A new study by Mercer Human Resource Consulting shows that more women are being sent on international assignments. The global survey covered over 100 multinational companies with nearly 17 000 male and female international assignees. The Mercer study revealed:

• Asia-Pacific reports the greatest rise in the number of female assignees. Companies in the Asia Pacific said they had 16 times more females on assignment in 2017 than they did in 2001. Companies in North America have nearly four times as many, while those in Europe have nearly twice as many.
• The huge growth in the Asia-Pacific region reflects that businesses in the region, particularly in China are becoming increasingly global. Over half the companies (55%) expect the number of female assignees to increase steadily over the next five years.
• 15% of companies do not send females to hardship locations
• Female expatriates are far less likely than males to be accompanied by their partners on assignment
• 12% of companies say they have female expatriates who are single parents
• Two-thirds of companies (66%) provide no incentives or support to help partners settle in the host location

Expat assignments increase career opportunities

Many women reported that going on expatriate placements can be an important step on their career ladder and women are increasingly interested in taking these assignments. This was supported by findings by NatWest International who have reported that the number of female respondents to their annual expat quality of life survey has shot up by more than 100% since they started the survey in 2011.

Countries favoured by female expats

Supporting Mercer’s findings that the Asia-Pacific is seeing a rapid increase in female expats, the latest HSBC survey reports that India, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, China and Malaysia are the countries most preferred by expat working women. The survey was done among 27 587 expats from 159 countries and territories during March-April 2017.

Career progression and new skills

In terms of female career progression, China topped the list with 73% of women expats choosing this country, followed by Hong Kong (64%), India (62%), Singapore (60%) and Indonesia at 52%. Hong Kong was the country favoured in terms of acquiring new skills (62%), followed by Singapore (61%), China (47%), Taiwan (44%) and Vietnam at 43%.

Improved earnings

When it came to earnings for women, Singapore was found to be the best country for improving earning prospects with 71% of expat women choosing this country, followed by Hong Kong (55%), China (45%), South Korea (44%) and Vietnam at 42%.

If you are a South African expat living abroad and would like to know more about how you can manage and maximise your expat wealth through financial emigration, accessing your South African retirement annuity and our tailor-made tax solutions for South Africans around the world, contact FinGlobal today.