A new report by Aires says geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt international shipping routes, causing delays to household goods shipments and increasing relocation costs.
The Aires Pulse Survey – which is based on input from organisations managing international employee relocations – shows that while most organisations are continuing relocations as planned, the greatest impact from shipment delays is on long-term assignments and permanent moves, particularly in the Middle East and APAC regions.
It says companies have responded with extended temporary housing or hotel stays, with cost the main factor in decisions about exceptions or alternatives. Most businesses haven’t made formal policy changes, handling disruptions on a case-by-case basis.
According to the findings, 65 per cent of respondents said long-term assignments of one to five years had been impacted by delays, while 59 per cent reported disruption to permanent relocations. The Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, was identified as the region most affected, as ongoing challenges impact global shipping lanes.
Despite these difficulties, the report found that most organisations remain committed to moving employees as planned. Eighty per cent of respondents said relocations were continuing without delay, while 18 per cent reported making destination-specific decisions on a case-by-case basis.
The report can be downloaded from the Aires website: www.aires.com