Infrastructure key to expatriate locations, says Mercer

The infrastructure available in a potential expatriate destination plays an important role when multinationals decide where to establish locations abroad and send assignees, according to Mercer’s 19^th quality of living survey. Vienna occupies first place for overall quality of living for the eighth year running; the only non-European cities in the top 10 are Auckland and Vancouver.

The highest ranking cities in Asia and Latin America are Singapore (in 25^th position overall) and Montevideo (79^th position) respectively. Most European Cities held their places in the ranking, except Brussels, which dropped six places because of terrorism-related security concerns, and Rome, down four places due to issues with waste services. Cities high in the ranking for their level of infrastructure provide a combination of top airport facilities, a varied and wide-ranging local transport network and smart technology.

Ilya Bonic, senior partner at Mercer, said:

‘The success of foreign assignments is influenced by issues such as ease of travel and communication, sanitation standards, personal safety and access to public services.’

‘Quality of living survey 2017’, Mercer: www.imercer.com/content/mobility/quality-of-living-city-rankings.html