MovePlus Mobility facilitated a smooth relocation for a Global Corporation's 15,000 employees from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Our meticulous planning and tailored solutions facilitated a smooth transition, ensuring comprehensive support for assignees and their families.

Overcoming export permit challenges for long-term employee assignments from Shanghai to Hong Kong

Client profile 

Company: Global Corporation

Industry: Manufacturing

Size: 15,000 employees

Program: Managed Long-Term Assignment

Relocation Project Overview

This group relocation from Shanghai to Hong Kong posed several unique challenges primarily related to shipping logistics, finding suitable schooling options, managing outbound immigration, facilitating pre-relocation trips and orientation tours, and arranging temporary housing with short notice.

Challenges Faced

  • Export Permit and Approval Challenges: Each Assignee faced difficulties obtaining the necessary export permit and approval to move from Shanghai to Hong Kong. The complex process required close attention to individual cases to ensure the required permits were received.
  • Coordination with Shipping Vendors: Obtaining the export approval was crucial for the shipping vendors to proceed with exporting and transporting the Assignees belongings.
  • Schooling and housing Options: Finding suitable schooling options in Hong Kong presented a challenge along with arranging for temporary accommodations based around varying travel requirements and dates.

Approach and Solutions

  1. Export Permit Guidance: MovePlus worked closely with each Assignee and our client’s immigration provider to navigate the complex process of obtaining approvals. Meticulous attention was given to each case, providing guidance, support, and review of necessary documentation to ensure successful permit acquisition.
  2. Pre-Relocation Trips and Orientation: Facilitating pre-relocation trips and providing detailed in-person orientation tours played a crucial role in helping Assignees get oriented in Hong Kong. Ensuring these trips were comprehensive, informative, and tailored to individual needs required meticulous planning and execution.
  3. Group Workshops and Individual Meetings: MovePlus organized in-person workshops where two representatives delivered presentations and held one-on-one meetings with the Assignees. This provided an opportunity to address specific concerns, share essential information, and offer personalized guidance. Weekly meetings were also conducted post-workshops to share updates and ensure a smooth relocation process for each individual.
  4. Effective Stakeholder Communication: MovePlus actively facilitated regular communication between all stakeholders involved in the relocation process. This included scheduled calls and meetings with the company immigration vendor, temporary housing providers, and shipping companies. By fostering effective communication channels, potential issues were addressed promptly, and all parties remained well-informed and aligned. 

Positive Outcomes

Successful Export Permit Acquisition: Through dedicated efforts and collaboration, MovePlus ensured that each Assignee obtained the necessary export permits and approvals, overcoming challenges and facilitating a smooth transition from Shanghai to Hong Kong.

Smooth Shipping and Logistics: By coordinating closely with shipping vendors and providing the required documentation, MovePlus enabled the smooth export and shipping of belongings, ensuring the fastest possible arrival to Hong Kong.

Comprehensive Workshops and Individual Support: The group workshops and one-on-one meetings conducted by MovePlus equipped Assignees with essential information and personalized support, addressing individual concerns effectively.

Aligned Stakeholder Collaboration: Regular communication and coordination with immigration vendors, temporary housing providers and shipping companies allowed for efficient collaboration, ensuring a cohesive approach and a seamless relocation experience for all Assignees

By implementing tailored solutions and ensuring consistent support throughout the relocation process, MovePlus achieved positive outcomes, enabling a smooth transition for the Assignees and contributing to a successful relocation of their families.