A senior banker has spelled out the reasons for Germany, Bahrain and the UK being rated as the top three nations where expats can advance their careers.Ian Yim, head of wealth and international at HSBC in Singapore, says that the bank's annual Expat Explorer survey of more than 22,000 expatriates shows that career opportunities are the main reason why people take overseas assignments.Writing in HR Bulletin, the daily online newsletter of Human Resources magazine - Asia's only regional HR print and digital media brand, with offices in Singapore and Hong Kong - says that while there is no such thing as the perfect job, "that doesn’t mean you should stop looking for one that best fits you at this current point of your life".Based on the latest HSBC Expat Explorer, he says that Germany is rated as the best place in the world for expat careers, followed by Bahrain and the UK.

What makes working in Germany so appealing for expatriate workers?

"Germany is at top of the list for ambitious globetrotters looking to further their careers in 2019," he says. "Its strong work/life balance and job security helped to secure its first place spot."Despite having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, Germany still faces shortages of skilled workers in certain professions. These include qualified engineers, IT specialists, social workers and manufacturing positions. Professionals with vocational qualifications are also in demand." 

Bahrain: why is it the 2nd most popular nation for expat workers?

On Bahrain, Mr Yim says "enviable" pay and benefits packages were helping to attract some of the world's best and brightest."With its strategic location, good infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, the kingdom has a successful history of doing business and is the main banking hub for the Persian Gulf and a centre for Islamic finance," he adds.

Talented expats rave about working in the UK: what are they saying?

Meanwhile, Mr Yim says internationally mobile citizens "rave" about what working in the UK has to offer for both professional and personal development."Britain’s foreign workforce is young, educated and ambitious, with more than two-fifths in possession of a post graduate degree. Global talent has long powered the international melting pot of London and that does not appear to be slowing down," he writes."The British healthcare system is always looking for foreign professionals to complement their medical staff. There are also various engineering and tech-related positions in the UK that are constantly in-demand. Basically, if you are any type of engineer, in IT, a scientist, or a medical practitioner, then you will probably find it easier to get a job as these occupations are in short supply in the UK."

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