Why International Background Checks Take More Time and Money
Posted by alexcarey24
from the Business category at
21 Nov 2024 07:52:46 am.
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Navigating Legal Regulations Across Countries
Every country has its own laws and regulations surrounding data privacy and background checks. Unlike domestic checks that involve generally reasonably consistent processes and regulations, international checks are all over the place - literally and figuratively. For example, a candidate in Europe may fall under GDPR, a set of regulations that limits access to certain records unless explicit consent is given. In other regions, like parts of Asia or Latin America, privacy laws restrict the kinds of data can be shared across borders. With just these limited examples in mind, it's not hard to see why businesses must tread carefully to work within the legal framework of each country to avoid fines or compliance issues. What works here in the U.S. simply will not work outside our borders.
Fragmented Data Sources
In domestic hiring, professional background check providers have access to databases that house criminal records, employment histories, and educational qualifications. It's these "databanks" that make basic domestic background checks so quick. International checks, however, don't have that same luxury. Information is fragmented, stored across various agencies or organizations, and not always easy to access. Depending on the country, employers may need to reach out to individual institutions or even rely on local authorities for specific records. This fragmented system results in longer wait times and additional costs for verification, as the checks are much more labor-intensive.
Language Barriers and Translation Needs
Another challenge for international employee background checks is language. Records and documentation in foreign countries will, more often than not, be in a foreign language, which means translation is required. Miscommunication is a risk, especially when it comes to legal or technical terms, so businesses need to use professional translation services to ensure accuracy. Translation adds an extra layer of complexity, time, and cost, as it requires time and specialized skills to interpret certain documents correctly.
Local Expertise
When conducting international background checks, it's essential to work with local experts. Folks with feet on the ground speak the language, understand the ins and outs of local regulations, and know how to access region-specific databases or institutions. However, hiring these experts costs money.
International background checks are necessary for global hiring but often take longer and cost more due to the challenges of working across different legal systems, accessing fragmented data, translating documents, and relying on local expertise. For businesses, it's important to plan for these complexities and build extra time into your hiring process when vetting candidates from different countries.
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