India Inc. across various sectors are increasingly hiring expatriates for short-term assignments to address talent shortages and gain specialized expertise.
These assignments, typically lasting six months to two years, attract highly skilled professionals seeking project-based work or technical leadership roles, particularly in industries like manufacturing, life sciences, and renewable energy.
India Inc. Growing Trend of Short-Term Assignments
Search firms and company executives have identified a growing trend of expatriates coming in for six months to two years for roles focused on short-term projects or technical leadership.
Some of these candidates are using these assignments as gigs after retirement and are keen because their expertise is much sought after.
Pay is high too — $3,000-4,000 a day for advisors and $200,000-300,000 plus bonus annually for others, said search firms.
Indian companies in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, industrial, life sciences, automotive, oil and gas, aluminium, smart infrastructure, enterprise solutions, semiconductors, and renewables are increasingly hiring expatriates on short stints to meet their needs for expertise in technology, operations, leadership, and expansion.
This approach allows companies to leverage international skills and knowledge while managing logistical challenges, expenses, and long-term commitment risks.
Benefits of Short-Term Assignments
The trend toward short-term expatriate assignments is driven by a combination of factors such as the desire for global talent, cost control, and project-specific expertise.
This approach allows companies to leverage international skills and knowledge while managing logistical challenges, expenses, and long-term commitment risks.
Given the short-term nature of the assignments, family doesn’t get shifted, making it easier to hire, said Insist Consulting MD R Suresh.
Expats often come as advisors and are quite content, he said.
India Inc Hiring Trends: Expat Experience in India
According to Navnit Singh, the India MD at global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, in recent years, expats do not want to relocate for longer assignments (3-5 years) due to a multitude of reasons, like the spouse not wanting to move, kids’ education, etc.
“Global executives are keen to have India on their resume,” said Ashwin Saboo, senior client partner at executive search firm Korn Ferry.
“With regards to expats of Indian nationality, the openness to re-look at India is stronger than ever.”
India Inc’s approach to hiring expatriates on short-term assignments reflects a strategic move to address talent shortages and gain specialized expertise.
The influx of expatriates in key roles across various sectors highlights a shift towards a more globalized workforce, driving innovation and growth in the Indian market.
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