The burning question asked by every expat facing re-entry (and every repat in its throes) is this: “How long does it take?”
It’s a good question, but it’s tough to answer definitively, for a couple of reasons. First, every expat (and therefore, every re-entry) is different. Second, repatriation isn’t an event. It’s a process.
Yes, it can be quick. In fact, some lucky souls re-integrate almost immediately. Of the 539 repats who answered this question on my repatriation survey last year, 11% of first-time returnees said they started to feel at home right away.
I’ll confess to gnashing my teeth with envy when I read that. My experience was quite different. For me, it took about two years and involved a lot of dancing, of the one-step-forward–two-steps-back variety. Eight years later, I still have occasional relapses. But again, everyone’s journey is unique. Read more
If you know you will be leaving Dubai then you must get organised as there is a lot to do. There are a lot of places you need to be physically present at ie to close down bank accounts. Personal possessions, such as cars and furniture, can take more time than you realise to sell.
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