Germany, Bahrain and U.K. ranked best countries for expat workers: survey

Canada is the 10th best country for expatriate employees, with Germany, Bahrain and the U.K. taking the top three spots, according to a new survey by HSBC Bank.

Expats are coming to work in Canada from Europe, South and Central Asia and elsewhere in North America, but they’re most commonly from India, the U.K. and the U.S. Workers are attracted to Canada for its work-life balance (62 per cent), work culture (58 per cent) and generous benefits packages (71 per cent), according to the survey.

As well, more than half (56 per cent) of respondents said they believe Canada is a good place to progress in their careers and 55 per cent said their work in Canada is more fulfilling than work in their home countries.

Read: A look at the challenges of an increasingly mobile workforce

In Germany, which occupies the top spot on the list, 70 per cent of workers said their work-life balance has improved compared to their home country. As well, 65 per cent described work in Germany as productive and 73 per cent said they feel they have better job security.

Bahrain, which moved up 10 spots from last year to gain second place, is attracting new workers with competitive pay. Three-quarters (77 per cent) of expats in the country said their earning prospects are better in Bahrain. It’s also attracting expats with allowances to help them transition to a new foreign environment, including an accommodation allowance (69 per cent), an airfare allowance (68 per cent) and a medical allowance (64 per cent).

The U.K. also attracts many people looking to boost their careers, according to the survey. It noted close to half of those who move to the country do so for their careers. As well, those surveyed ranked the U.K. as the best country to go to develop new skills and the fourth best for moving up the career ladder.

Read: Location tops salary when employees consider job offers: survey