NEWSFLASHES

LEX and Wereldexpat

Media stories about Africa are often negative. The fact that Uganda had to contend with a (civil) war for many years is, for example, known by most. The fact that now the country is recovering economically due to the discovery of oil is, however, not known by many. Even better, Uganda can use a few Dutch expats. But where can you find them!
For many years Tineke Hulst and her partner Gerrit Pierik were expats in Cameroon and Ghana. After their return to the Netherlands, the couple started a successful interim management agency. They were frequently asked by African friends and acquaintances whether they happened to know someone that could take up a management position in Africa. 

 
Difficult regions
Tineke: "We found out that it was very difficult to find Dutch expats for Africa. There wasn’t a Dutch recruitment and selection agency where you could register as an expat. This led to the establishment of LEX, the first brokerage that brokers between international companies and expats. In principle, we cater for all regions but Africa is what motivates us the most. Regions that are difficult to recruit for are our expert areas. 

Fairly alone
Former expat Marieke Kolthof has recently joined LEX. She adds: "If, for example, you want to go to Uganda to work you must take on board that very little has been organised for expats in that country. No compounds, no Dutch clubs, no international schools and no social facilities. The distances are often huge in Africa and this means that you can be quite on your own as an expat. We try to support people in the most personal way possible with regard to this issue including in the ‘difficult’ regions.''

Database
Although LEX has only recently started to operate, there has been a lot of interest. Hundreds of expats are registering with their CVs every week. The aim is to have between twenty and forty thousand people on our books by June. There will not, of course, be jobs available for everyone straight away but most expats are already abroad and cannot immediately take up a new position. 
 
Dutch people wanted
Expats must at least have an intermediate or higher vocational education background and must speak several languages. LEX finds the jobs through its own network (mainly international companies) or at embassies and Dutch associations abroad. The jobs are mainly in the management, marketing and IT sectors. "Dutch people are wanted abroad because they are focused, provide good leadership and have a good command of languages. French expats, for example, often look for a job in a French-speaking former colony but Dutch people can be placed everywhere.''
 
Dangers
Tineke and Marieke, for that matter, are the first to point out the dangers that are lurking behind the scene for expats. They make their own customers aware of this too. Tineke: "The relational problems are, of course, well-known and play a part everywhere. The husband works six days a week and the wife is at home alone with the children. You shouldn’t underestimate life on a compound either. Your friends will be people who are in the same situation. This is completely different to the relationships you have with your true old friends.''

Walking cash machine
Problems are even more specific in Africa. Marieke: "It is often the case that a man will travel ahead of his family and that his family will only come over later or not at all. Such a man is extremely attractive to the ladies of the night because they see him as a walking cash machine. That will cost you your long-term relationship.'' Tineke adds: "I also know a man who married African women twice and was bled dry both times. These things happen. Usually, though, everything is fine.'' 
 
Above average lifestyle
Maybe too good a lifestyle and that is another problem. Expats who return to the Netherlands often find they are unable to fit in. This is not so strange say Tineke and Marieke. "An expat abroad often has a position that is at a higher level than he or she is used to especially in Africa. Someone with an intermediary vocational education will be in charge, is given a fantastic salary and has an above average lifestyle including a beautiful home, servants, a high-quality car, airline tickets paid by his company, etc.''
 
Cold shower
“The Netherlands is like a cold shower. You were highly regarded aboard and back in your boring home country you have to do everything yourself again and usually you have to compromise on your salary. Often, moreover, nobody is very interested in you or your stories. It is also difficult for your company to again find you a place within the organisation. There is bound to be jealousy when someone has been working for years to get a certain job and then someone comes from abroad and that person simply jumps the queue.''

Tips
Tineke and Marieke, therefore, always advice never to break your ties with your own country. "Go back to the Netherlands so now and again and maintain your network. Continue to invest in friends and do not make people jealous by only telling them about the good things. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you miss people, that your new life is not always the best ever and that you would like nothing better than to down a pint with friends. And for all those expats who want a new challenge anyway: register with LEX. We are, for example, still looking for people for the oil business in Ghana!''

Publication date: 21 April 2008

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