Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze The following information is provided by the government publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze. Introduction Before You Go What Documents Do You Need? Practical and Financial Issues Personal Issues and Concerns Working Abroad Returning to Canada Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze Returning to Canada Departure Tax

Some countries impose a departure tax or service fee at the airport or point of departure. Prior to leaving such a country, make sure you set aside enough money, in local funds, to pay this tax.

Settling Your Obligations Before You Return

It is important that you settle all your obligations before you leave your host country. For example, make sure that you pay all your local bills or make acceptable arrangements to do so. It may also be a good idea to obtain a letter of release from domestic or other employees, if applicable, stating that you are free of any obligation to them. In addition, you will need to meet all local tax requirements and obtain clearance from the local tax authorities before you will be allowed to leave.

Bringing Home Your Belongings

Depending on how long you have resided outside Canada, you may be subject to special import provisions for household items and personal belongings on your return. When you go through Immigration and Customs at the port of entry, have your passport ready. Where possible, pack the articles you have acquired abroad separately to make inspection easier. Have your
receipts handy in case you need to support your customs declaration. For specific details, obtain a copy of the brochure Moving Back to Canada, published by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

Illegal Souvenirs

Before you purchase an animal or plant, or a product made from animals or plants, be sure you know what rules and regulations apply. Many attractive items sold in foreign countries are made from endangered plants or animals. Live cactus and orchid plants, ivory bracelets and carvings, marine turtle shells and turtle-shell products, whalebone carvings, and cat skins, teeth and claws are some of the more common items illegally brought back to Canada. These items are included in the more than 30,000 species of wild animals and plants regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A violation of CITES could lead to seizure of your purchase, as well as a fine and/or prison term.

Since many other countries also have strict laws protecting wildlife, it is often wise to leave any items you already own at home.

When in doubt, don't buy it! Contact Environment Canada for details.

Health Concerns

If you become sick or feel unwell on your return to Canada, see a doctor promptly. Inform the doctor that you have been living outside Canada, and where. Likewise, if you were ill while you were abroad, see your doctor on your return and explain your medical history and any treatment you received.

If you were in a malarial area and develop fever during the first year after your return (especially in the first two months), see your doctor immediately and inform him or her that:

• anti-malarial pills do not guarantee protection against malaria; and

• malaria must be ruled out by one or more thick and thin blood film examinations.

Please choose from the following sections:

Introduction

Before You Go

What Documents Do You Need?

Practical and Financial Issues

Personal Issues and Concerns

Working Abroad

Returning to Canada

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/working_abroad-en.asp for the latest information.

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