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 Working Abroad

Registering at a Canadian Mission

If you plan to stay longer than three months in a country, it is recommended that you formally register at the nearest Canadian government office abroad. This will make it easier for you to be contacted in case of an emergency or crisis. Registration is voluntary, and the information you provide is not shared with any other Canadian government department. Registration is not usually available in the countries of western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or the United States.

In countries where Canada has no direct representation, there may be arrangements in place for you to register with another country's embassy or consulate. For instance, Canada has a formal reciprocal agreement with Australia.

Consular Assistance

Canadian government offices abroad are ready to help you in case of an emergency. In some instances, there may be a fee for services.

What can they do for you?

• They can contact, at your request, your relatives or friends and ask them to send you emergency funds.

• They can help you during emergencies such as natural disasters and civil and military uprisings.

• They can direct you to sources of information about local laws, regulations, cultural customs and how to obtain visas.

• They can assist with medical emergencies.

• They can replace passports. However, not all offices are authorized to issue regular passports.

If you are arrested, they can try to ensure equitable treatment under local laws. At your request, they can inform relatives and friends about your arrest and try to ensure that legal rights and processes are extended to you consistent with the standards of the host country. However, they cannot set aside local laws if you are charged with an offence, or intervene in the judicial process of a foreign country. They cannot post bail, pay for a lawyer or pay your fines.

If you wish, they can notify your next of kin regarding accidents or deaths and let them know whether, and how, they can help.

Emergency Consular Services

Canadian government offices abroad offer 24-hour assistance. During non-office hours, a telephone call you make to an office abroad will be automatically transferred to a consular officer in Ottawa or you will be asked to leave a message on an answering machine. In either case, there will be a prompt response. If you leave a recorded message, make sure that it is clear and that you leave a telephone number or a full contact address. In addition, you can make a collect call to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885. You may wish to use the Canada Direct service if it is available.

Voting While Overseas

Canadians who reside abroad are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in all federal elections. For additional information, consult the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

Banking

You may wish to set up a bank account in your host country that is fed by funds from your Canadian account. To do this, you will need to go to a local foreign exchange bank with your passport, your Alien Registration Card and Canadian banking information (your branch and account number). Usually, someone who can speak English or French will be available to assist you. The process can be complicated and time-consuming, and you should make sure that you have a source of funding during this period. Retain all documentation on financial transfers, as you may need it for local income tax purposes.

It is also important that you establish how much money you are allowed to send home. The amount of money you are permitted to leave with or to transfer may be strictly regulated by your host country. Keep all receipts and transaction records.

When working overseas, you should try to have your salary paid in Canadian or U.S. dollars. If you are paid in local currency, make sure that you know the exchange rate; the relative value of your salary could be seriously affected by changes to that rate.

Marriage and Divorce While Abroad

In other countries, the procedures surrounding relationships can be more difficult than at home. If you decide to marry while you are abroad, make sure you understand the local requirements and laws. If your future spouse is not a Canadian citizen, find out whether he or she would be eligible to travel back to Canada with you on either a temporary or a permanent basis. This information can be obtained from the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

Divorce or separation could be more complicated abroad than in Canada. Property settlement and child custody issues will be different too. If your spouse is a citizen of the country in which you are living, he or she may have more rights than you do as a foreigner. Always make sure that you understand the laws and local procedures. Establish whether what you do locally will be legally recognized on your return to Canada. Do nothing without the advice and guidance of a lawyer.

Respecting Local Customs and Laws

Difficult situations or frustrating confrontations can sometimes occur if you are unaware of the local customs and laws of your host country. Be wise and learn ahead of time what behaviour is appropriate and what is likely to offend the local citizens.

More than 2,000 Canadians are currently imprisoned abroad for various offences. Keep in mind that, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and regulations. Ignorance is no defence, and your Canadian citizenship offers you no immunity.

If you are arrested or detained, you can request that the arresting officer inform the nearest Canadian government office abroad. You will need a lawyer, and the consular official can refer you to one who speaks English or French. In the meantime, be aware that what you say can be used against you. Avoid making any statements unless your lawyer is present. Do not sign anything in a language you do not understand without the permission of your lawyer.

Drugs

Most countries impose severe penalties for the possession of even a minuscule amount of illegal drugs. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny and should therefore have proper accompanying documentation. As previously mentioned, keep all drugs in their original containers and carry the necessary prescriptions with you. Choose your travelling companions wisely. Never agree to take across a border any parcel that is not yours. For more information, consult the Drug and Travel Information Web site.

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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