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A friend of mine, Mike, didn't think much about security concerns in his 10 years of working overseas -- until he was carjacked at gunpoint during his last assignment in Africa. All of a sudden, personal security became much more of an issue.
Mike's experience is not uncommon. As the number of US expatriates increases, the number of crimes against them has risen as well; criminal activity affecting those working abroad ranges from petty theft to kidnappings. But how concerned should expats be about security issues? And what, if anything, can they do about them?
Is There More Crime Overseas?Security threats have certainly risen. Part of this is due to the rise in crime worldwide, but some is also directly related to the amount of business being done in countries that have a great deal of poverty, which typically leads to high crime.
The types of crimes are changing as well. Kidnappings are increasing, and targets have switched from political leaders to business professionals, largely due to economic motivation. If an executive is traveling a lot or residing overseas, he must consider personal safety and security as part of his preparations. And in some cases, expats should actually consider purchasing services for protection.
Help Is on the Way Vance Executive Protection is one of the oldest and largest companies specializing in providing security services to businesspeople working abroad. It works worldwide, providing Secret Service-style protection to high-level executives and their families. The company also performs security-risk assessments for companies and security sweeps prior to traveling.
Andy Podolak, managing director at Vance, says that one of the most important things expatriates can do while abroad is raise their awareness. Podolak also recommends common-sense tactics: Don't wear shirts or jackets with a corporate or American logo, avoid placing your business card on your luggage tag, and don't wear expensive jewelry or carry expensive luggage. Refrain from carrying a lot of credit cards, and avoid using your bank/debit card as well. "[They] can make you a target for kidnappers who might pick you up and take you from bank to bank, forcing you to withdraw cash or make purchases," warns Podolak.
The US State Department offers travel warnings, public announcements and country assessments called “consular information sheets.” They can be accessed at the
Bureau of Consular Affairs Web site and provide information on current countries the State Department classifies as dangerous. General information sheets on every country are also available and cover issues like minor political disturbances, crime and security information, as well as health information and other common concerns.
Considering a New Career? Interestingly, the expatriate security field has actually become a career choice for individuals interested in working abroad. If you have three years of military or law-enforcement experience, you may qualify for training to become an agent in the private sector at a place like Vance, where you might accompany high-level executives on trips overseas. "The lifestyle is intense," says Podolak, noting the work involves long days and weeks. But it can be exciting and get you around the globe, literally.
There is no need to be paranoid about life overseas; in many cases, you are safer abroad than in the good old USA. But the world might be more of a global city these days than a global village. Expats need awareness, preparation and, in some cases, services to protect themselves while overseas. Enjoy yourself, whether you are traveling for business or moving overseas, but don't be naive. Do your research, talk to individuals who have lived in the location you are going to, and prepare accordingly to maximize your chances for safety, comfort and success at work.
