Exploring the Impact of the Pandemic on Relocating Overseas
COVID-19, or otherwise known as Coronavirus, completely took over 2020. The pandemic which first hit news headlines in late 2019, locked us in our houses and enforced people to socially distance unless they lived together. It is safe to say, 2020 will go down in history due to the pandemic of the year. Along with the lockdowns came travel restrictions, meaning that people hoping to move abroad had to either delay or rethink their plans to emigrate. Coronavirus has not left us yet, and along with that comes the ever-looming uncertainty of emigration plans. In this blog post, PBS International has outlined useful information on emigration and coronavirus, and the top 5 tips on moving abroad during a pandemic.
Emigration and Coronavirus
Moving to another country is sometimes only a dream, but for some, they make that dream a reality. COVID-19 has stalled many plans on emigrating to a new country for 2020, however, the dreams don’t have to be put on hold entirely. Emigrating is more difficult in the new normal but it is definitely still possible.
There are a few things to consider when moving to another country during the pandemic. Settling into a new country is important, going out and knowing your new surroundings, meeting new people and getting used to your new workspace and getting to know your co-workers. You may find these simple tasks are more difficult than ever with COVID-19. Working remotely is currently the most popular way to work, if it is doable, so meeting your co-workers and getting to know your workspace and pace may be a harder task. Another consideration which is notable is that cases of coronavirus could rise again, meaning lockdowns are going to be in the back of your mind; being unable to leave your home and socialise will be extremely tough, especially if you have moved abroad solo. Lastly, social distancing is very much still in place all over the world, meaning that meeting new people can be harder than ever before.
It should be noted that although life may be different at the moment, moving abroad is made easier with companies who have rules and regulations in place to help your move as stress-free as possible. PBS International Freight Forwarders have everything in place to get your belongings from point A to point B without any delay due to coronavirus.
Top 5 Tips on Moving Abroad During a Pandemic
1. Safe to Travel
The first question to investigate is whether it is safe to travel from the country you are leaving to your final destination, with any stopover countries in-between. Check the government’s list of countries that are no longer presenting a high risk to British people travelling abroad.
When moving, you need to take into consideration there is always a risk and danger associated with moving in the current coronavirus pandemic. You must research as to whether the risk is low enough for you to feel comfortable to complete your move.
All government guidelines are in place for your safety, and should always be followed.
2. Legality
Coronavirus is a global pandemic, and naturally, governments worldwide are constantly changing their restrictions and guidelines to people from other countries. Some countries at this current time will not allow UK nationals to enter their borders at this current time. Make sure you have researched the legal side when moving countries to make sure you are staying within the law of both the UK and the country you are moving to.
The worst-case scenario is that you will arrive at your final destination, to be sent back to the UK and not allowed border access of the country you are moving to.
3. Government Guidelines
As stated above, government guidelines are in place for your own safety. When travelling you will need to produce documentation at the border of the desired country you are moving to. A negative COVID-19 test result is mandatory when travelling in the current pandemic.
Make sure you research the official rules for getting access at the border and getting past border authorities, follow these rules closely.
4. Insurance
Having expat insurance is essential when moving abroad. Having this insurance sorted early will give you peace of mind when finalising your move abroad.
In the current times, there is no certainty as to whether there will be a sudden spike in coronavirus cases in the UK or the country you are moving to. This could affect anything from your journey to your overall health. It is important to have insurance so that you are dramatically affected financially.
5. International Freight Forwarding
Before your move, you will need to make sure that you have sorted international freight forwarding services for your belongings. At PBS International, we can organise everything for you from picking up your belongings to the delivery to your new front door. We have an option of sea, road or flight freight forwarding.