An Indian staffing firm that supplies Indian staff for clients in Africa has adopted a novel approach to its selection process by holding conference calls with the candidate and members of the candidate’s family.

Amit Somaiya, global chief executive of IMS, told Recruiter: “The trick is to get the confidence of the family otherwise the candidate won’t want to migrate to that part of the world.”

Selection is not just about identifying the best candidates, said Somaiya. It is vital that family members feel comfortable with migration to countries that include Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.

Somaiya explained that in Indian culture, the family remains a powerful institution and that many decisions emanate from within the family rather than simply from individuals.

Somaiya said that in around one in five cases, eager candidates, attracted by “above average remuneration” are persuaded not to take their application further.
Somaiya said the main fears voiced by family members are: security, lack of educational facilities, and lifestyle.