Remote working across borders: The hidden risks businesses need to understand

So it then takes me on to my next topic, which is very relevant.

So obviously, we've got all of this that we're talking about in terms of everything that is knowledge within the expertise themselves.

So the experts are fully aware of everything that happens.

But a lot of businesses, again, want to be flexible for their staff.

They want to be able to allow people to enjoy these benefits that are becoming so popular globally.

But a lot of this happens through a WhatsApp request, an email notification.

We're changing our internal policy.

We allow people to be able to go and do this.

You'll get a sure no problem.

Sarah, what should a proper approval process actually look like?

So my advice to companies is to have a proper policy in place with regards to what is remote working, what the boundaries are, the guidelines framework, if you like, how many days it is applicable for in the circumstances.

And that should also include a process for the approvals.

which it can be done through WhatsApp, it can be done through emails, or it can be done through an HR system.

It's entirely up to a company, but it just needs to be documented somewhere to ensure transparency and consistency of process and approvals.

And then the policy document should also include the details of that approval process and any considerations.

So that is like a reference guide.

So if somebody gets asked, can you go and work remotely or I want to go and work remotely, they can check the rules and regulations that are there.

Like, for example, as Hugo said, a tax advisor will be provided to facilitate you during this time, for example.

um or you know the company under we're asking you therefore the company will undertake to pay any income tax that you may be eligible to pay um whilst you're reliable rather than eligible but to pay whilst you're on this secondment um so all of that needs to be documented in the policy um with obviously not to be um completely exhaustive in the different countries and the specific tax regulations but at a general level to say this is what we'll look at this is how we'll approve it this is what we'll do in xyz case um so that the employee has the information to hand and can make an informed decision

and can i add which became very important now for south africans and uk people is that the their clause that the company can unilaterally terminate that arrangement and give a period of notice so for example the we saw when the um American Iran war broke out that some of the corporate said, you'll have to come back on the first flight.

And it is your duty to get the flight permissions and so on.

Because that clearly indicates there's no intention to create a branch on the other side.

Because in what we saw in the UAE, what you alluded to, Carla, and also Sarah, is that some of these people would see their visas, visa days exceeding 183 days.

And the companies are just not prepared to incur that cost.

Because remember, if that visa is cancelled or deemed to be cancelled, that renewal process is an obligation in the UAE on the employer.