Relocation from India to another country is never easy as it uproots you from a social and cultural milieu that you have been accustomed to and puts you in the midst of an unknown and new milieu. This could seem to be intimidating, disturbing and frightening. To mitigate these fears and smoothen the process of relocation these essential points must be kept in mind:
Proper Planning Every country has its own rules and regulations so you must make a conscious effort to become familiar with the rules governing the country you are planning to move. For example, if you are moving to the UK you cannot take rough diamonds with you as they are banned. Similarly, if you have a firearm and want to take it to the UK you will have to get a special licence before it can be taken to the UK. People found contravening these rules could face deportation and or criminal prosecution. An easy way to gather all relevant information is to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate and gain information on: • Visas and permits • Insurance • Vaccination for self and family members • Vaccination and quarantines for pets • Restrictions or taxes on shipped household items • Taxes for shipping your vehicle This exercise must be done with plenty of time in hand. You must act on this information and file for passports, visas and other necessary permits well in time as these things take time and yes, of course, do book your air ticket in advance.
Checklist of relevant documents :
See that all these relevant documents and their copies are safe and readily available:
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Passport
• Aadhar card
• Vaccination, medical and dental records
• Insurance policies
• Academic records
• Employment records
• Proof of residence (Utility bill, Bank statement, etc).
• International driving licence
Find a reliable international relocator You are going to a new country hence it is of utmost importance that the relocator you choose has the necessary experience and expertise of relocation to the country in question. Before zeroing in on a particular relocator you must compare prices and services offered by various relocators. Ask relevant questions like the schedule of delivery, unloading practices etc. You might require some additional services in your new country like house cleaning, reassembly of equipment, handyman service and so on. Ask your relocator if he caters for these services. If you can, talk to friends, colleague and even previous customers of the relocator to gain first-hand knowledge.
Get a detailed contract Never leave anything to chance. Get all terms and conditions penned down including all costs and details so that you are spared any unpleasant surprises at the last moment.
Cancellations and payment of dues You should consider cancelling utilities like electricity, water, telephone, including mobile, gas and internet connection well in advance and pay all outstanding dues for the same. Cancel your subscription to associations, courses, periodical, magazines etc. Give your new address to your friends and family Redirect your mail through the Post Office Inform tax authorities that you are leaving the country Close your bank accounts if you do not wish to operate them
Research the country you are moving to Know about its history, people customs and practices so that you can smoothen the cultural shock and assimilate better. Like if you are relocating to Turkey you must know that the landlord/ renter relationship is not heavily regulated and you may need to negotiate with him/her for household items or goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos are banned in Dubai.
