Preparing to Repatriate? What You Should Consider

Repatriation is a big step for everyone who is making the move and takes months, sometimes even years, before the dream of returning home turns into a reality. When the circumstances are favourable for expatriates to return home they will need to ensure they have a carefully devised plan of action in place. With just 6 months to go, you will need to work fast to get things done in time for the move.

Visas and Passports

If you are married to a foreign-born spouse, they will need the appropriate visa and/or entry clearance to return with you when you repatriate, unless of course they are naturalised citizens of your country. Do not make the mistake of leaving visa applications to the last minute. Apply in advance for a visa and wait until your spouse has been issued a visa and cleared for travel before making any firm travel arrangements.

It is important to check the validity of your passport and everyone else's in the family to make sure they are still valid for travel and to renew them now so that they will be ready when it is time to leave. Keep in mind that you may need to have at least 6 month's validity left on all of your passports after the proposed date of travel.

Pet Travel

Do you plan on taking your furry friends with you as you plan to repatriate? If so, they will also need to be prepared for travel. It can take 6 months to prepare pets for international travel under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). Make sure you follow the guidelines closely, including microchipping Fluffy, making sure he has been vaccinated against rabies, and so forth.

Settle Personal and Financial Affairs

Now is the time to start considering settling your personal and financial affairs. Do you need to sell your property or your personal belongings such as a vehicle or furniture? Make a list of all your personal and financial affairs and then start prioritising each item and setting to work to meet deadlines. Six months may seem like a long time, but when you already have a date in mind to move, that date will inch ever closer as you start to settle your affairs.

No one said repatriation was going to be easy. You will need the help and support of family and friends as you start to make firm plans to move back home. Start with securing any applicable visas if you are married to a foreign-born spouse, checking the validity of passport, securing travel for pets and settling your personal and financial affairs.