International Executive Security Monitor

As a global employer taking care of expatriates and global travelers because you want to… or because duty of care laws in many countries require it, is about more than just kidnap and ransom insurance.  It encompasses three major areas: health, safety, and security.

Employers generally do a good job on the “health” side of the equation.  International risk management and international insurance brokers are used to put in a variety of insurance and service products for expatriates and global travelers ranging from expatriate health insurance to medical evacuation and assistance in the event of a medical emergency.  The overall grade for is a B and most of these programs are widely accepted.

Regarding expatriate security, the grades get dramatically worse.  Kidnap and ransom insurance policies may be old and outdated and most risk managers and international human resources people are not exactly sure what they have or the exact coverage scope of their kidnap ransom insurance policy internationally.  Most lack “emergency security plans” for expatriates.  The overall grade is a C and unforunately, there are many Fs balancing out the As. 

Regarding expatriate safety, the grades get even worse.  What does that mean to keep an expatriate or global traveler safe?  Well, few organizations have fully taken this last step.  One example of expatriate safety is the use of programs like the Medex Airline Insider: 

Often times, corporate travel departments will liaison with travel companies to find the most convenient and cost-effective flight for their employees, without a thought as to how safe that airline actually is. Whether it is a newly-born airline in South America or an older one that has been around for a while in Asia, it is imperative that a thorough check into an airline’s safety and security record be performed.Airline Insider is an online, one-of-a-kind business intelligence tool which allows employers to make an informed judgment about the quality and safety of the airlines they place their employees on. Flying safe is not just a duty of care issue. Don’t risk your employees’ safety and the productivity of your firm without first consulting Airline Insider.

Airline Insider provides a brief history of the airline in question, as well as information on routes, hubs, alliances, operations and destinations. It can also inform if and when an airline has been re-bought and renamed – and who the new owner is.

Most importantly, the airline’s financial standing will be analyzed. Is it in debt? Does the airline outsource its maintenance to someone else (who may be willing to do the job for less, and thus run the risk of cutting corners in order to save money) – or does it perform all maintenance checks in-house, and cling to high standards? Sometimes, airlines have been known to “cannibalize” spare parts for lack of funds. Also, does the airline have the funding to properly train its personnel and update pilots on new procedures?

This is one example of expatriate safety that goes beyond just kidnap and ransom insurance.  Other examples include the following:

• using bullet proof glass in cars in some countries
• using established and reputable drivers and driving companies (avoiding taxis)
• site assessments of both where the expatriate will live, and the office location.
• pre-departure training for both the expatriate and the family on being safe
• cross cultural training focusing on safety not just being polite!