A global survey of hiring and firing trends, covering more than 9,600 organisations in 55 countries, has found job prospects for professionals and managers continuing to improve.

The Global Snapshot, from international recruitment firm Antal, asked companies in major markets, including western and Eastern Europe, Africa, India, China and the USA, whether they were currently hiring at professional and managerial level. It then asked whether they planned to do so in the coming quarter and whether they were currently letting staff go or were planning to do so in the next three months.

With 30 per cent of companies still intending to increase assignment volumes this year, India is one country likely to be in their sights. Ruth Holmes finds out how this booming BRIC economy is bucking the trends.

India has had a ‘good’ global downturn. Insulated from falling demand in countries like the US and UK by its rapidly-growing domestic consumer demand and relatively little reliance on its export markets, India has maintained its solid growth rates in the past 18 months. While there is no denying that the growth rate has been dented somewhat (halving from around 12 per cent to seven per cent per annum), recent indicators suggest that growth is set to accelerate again.

Returns-hungry foreign investors, like London-based 3i capital and British institution Marks & Spencer, have recently announced significant investments on the sub-continent, adding to the $500 billion being pumped into massive Indian government infrastructure projects by 2012, which are pushing the demand for skills still higher.

Sunit Jilla, senior consultant, Farnham Castle International Briefing Centre, looks at the cultural complexities of living and working in India.

With a population of over one billion, India is a complex society made up of people with a multitude of languages, customs and differing values. Understanding these differences and being prepared for unfamiliar situations will help the employee and his or her family who are relocating to the region.

The first point to keep in mind is that you are not alone! In Bengaluru (Bangalore) alone, there are an estimated 10,000 westerners who have moved to the city over the last few years to live and work. As a result, around the country there are many expat clubs that can give a unique ‘western’ perspective on how to manage in India’s very different cultural environment.

However, there is no substitute for making Indian friends who will help with the integration into the new culture. Don’t be shy to accept an invitation for dinner from an Indian counterpart whom you have met only once or twice. In India, people are generous with their hospitality, and this is a great way to make new friends and integrate into the real life of this colourful, vibrant country.

India is a popular destination, with increasing numbers of executives and business travellers seeking or filling professional positions there every year.

There are many challenges facing expatriates, including culture of work, working conditions, compensation rates, competition, work permits and other issues. We examine below some significant changes to the Indian immigration rules in recent times that affect expatriates and those seeking work in India.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India recently made certain radical changes regarding Indian visa applications specifically relating to business visas, as it was evident that individuals travelling to India on business visits were working in India in direct contravention of the purpose stated on their visas.

The latest global relocation Trends survey report from Brookfield GRS makes interesting Reading for those managing assignees in Brazil, China, India or Russia. The following extracts are taken from it.

When asked to identify the three countries that were emerging as new assignment locations, 15% of respondents ranked China as the most common new destination, followed by India (13%), and Russia (6%). These three countries also were the top three destinations in last year's report. Furthermore, with only one exception in the history of this survey (when it was ranked in second place), China always has been the most commonly cited emerging destination.

Mark McAlea, consultant with international assignment management specialist IPM, speaks to Re:locate about current mobility issues in India.

‘India is very much a destination of choice at the moment for many of our big clients. There are two key areas that they and others have to overcome.

Entry and exit

‘The first is that it is difficult on occasion to secure the right visa to enter the country. India has a number of different visas, from three-month to 12-month visas, depending on the applicant’s job role in the country.

‘It is up to the embassy which length and type of visa is issued. This can be a single-entry visa. So, if the employee leaves the country, they need another to re-enter.

Home truths

‘The second issue, and a bigger concern, is that there is a mismatch between expectations and the available accommodation. It can be the case that top-level employees are shown round properties by real estate agents that aren’t in a fit state.

‘Some real estate agents are also trying to lock clients into two-year lease agreements when assignments are just for a year or 18 months.

‘The price of accommodation can also very wildly. Prices have grown exponentially over the last few years or so. We’ve therefore put together a framework for accommodation budgets for each of the major centres so our clients can get a good handle on the costs involved.

Taxing questions

‘The tax system is very similar in principle to the UK. This is especially the case with the concepts of resident in India for tax and ordinarily resident in India for tax.

‘The top rate of tax is 30 per cent, with a 10 per cent surcharge for those earning in excess of 1 million rupees – most high-earners will therefore be subject to this.

‘Employers are also subject to a “fringe benefit tax”, where non-salary benefits and payments are taxable.’

IPM, established in 1995, is currently helping clients manage international assignees in more than 50 home and 60 host countries. For more information, please contact www.ipmltd.co.uk.

© 2007 of Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.

As a relocation destination, India is set to make the top four within the next two years. While many precedents exist with regard to international mobility, companies and workers relocating to India face a number of country-specific challenges.

Setting realistic expectations is key to successful relocation. While India has so much to offer in terms of culture, a dynamic business life and a good standard of living, expatriates may find that the quality of housing, public sanitation and medical facilities below what they may be used to.

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