Employee Relocation Services

In the corporate landscape, the strategic deployment of human capital across international borders plays a crucial role in helping organisations maintain a competitive edge. As businesses expand their global footprint, the demand for proficient Employee Relocation services continues to grow. Elliott stands at the forefront of this domain, offering comprehensive solutions that support a smooth transition for employees and their families while supporting organisational stability and long-term success.

Comprehensive Premium Employee Relocation Services

With over four decades of industry experience, Elliott has refined a suite of services designed to address the multifaceted challenges associated with Employee Relocation.

International Moving: Relocating Talent To and From South Africa

At the core of our global relocation offering is our International Moving service, designed to support organisations relocating employees into or out of South Africa. This service is ideal for multinational corporations bringing in highly skilled talent to support operations, expansion projects, or executive leadership roles in the region.

We handle every detail of the international move, from origin to final destination, with full compliance with global customs protocols, import/export documentation, and immigration coordination where required. Our team manages all packing, transport via air or sea, customs clearance, and final delivery, supported by our global network of accredited partners.

We offer two shipping options:

Air Freight for time-sensitive relocations or essential personal items that need to arrive quickly.

Sea Freight for full household shipments, including furniture and personal effects, for a cost-effective solution for larger volumes.

For customers with flexible timelines or smaller shipments, we also offer Shared Load Containers, a smart, budget-friendly option for consolidating cargo to select destinations. This solution reduces shipping costs while maintaining the integrity of service and delivery standards.

Third-Country Moves: Assignments Between International Destinations

Global business operations often require personnel transfers between countries outside of South Africa. This is where our Third-Country Move service delivers strategic value.

Whether your organisation is transferring a finance director from Singapore to Dubai or a technical expert from Germany to Kenya, Elliott acts as the central coordinating partner, streamlining communication between origin and destination agents, aligning with corporate policies, and managing timelines, documentation, and in-transit updates.

With our extensive network of global relocation partners and vetted service providers, we maintain consistency of service quality across jurisdictions—regardless of where your employee is headed. This service is particularly valuable for regional headquarters, project-based teams, or global assignments involving multiple stakeholders across international offices.

Cross-Border Moves: Connecting Southern Africa

For organisations operating across Southern Africa, Elliott offers a specialised Cross-Border Moving service. This offering is tailor-made to handle the complexities of relocating personnel between South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Cross-border moves often present logistical and regulatory challenges, such as managing import/export permits, border control protocols, local compliance requirements, and infrastructure limitations. Our regional expertise and long-standing relationships with customs authorities and transportation partners across Southern Africa enable us to manage these intricacies with confidence.

We provide:

• Full-service packing and wrapping using export-grade materials.
• Secure cross-border transport and delivery.
• Route planning and customs brokerage.
• Coordination of temporary storage solutions when required.

This service is particularly effective for mining, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors, where talent often needs to be relocated to remote or high-risk areas across the region.

National Moves: Supporting Domestic Workforce Deployment

Our National Moving service is designed to support companies relocating employees across provinces within South Africa—whether as part of internal restructuring, promotions, talent development programs, or strategic expansion into other regions.

From initial pre-move surveys to the final unpacking at the destination, we provide a complete door-to-door relocation solution. Our professional packers use specialised materials and best-in-class handling techniques to protect everything from sensitive electronics to fine art and antiques.

Domestic services include:

• Pre-move consultation and planning
• Professional packing and labelling
• Secure transportation across all nine provinces
• Temporary or long-term storage solutions
• On-site supervision and post-move support

Our National Moving service is ideal for companies with a large national footprint, enabling quick talent deployment with minimal impact on productivity.

Key Features and Benefits of Elliott Corporate Relocation

Dedicated Account Management

Each customer is assigned a Key Account Specialist as a single point of contact, streamlining communication and ensuring adherence to corporate policies throughout the relocation process.

Expert Compliance and Policy Adherence

Our Corporate Key Account Specialists possess deep expertise in global relocation policies, ensuring that each move aligns with both corporate guidelines and international regulations.

Global Network and Local Expertise

Operating from our headquarters in Johannesburg and a branch in Cape Town, Elliott collaborates with a vast network of international partners to deliver consistent, high-quality service worldwide.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

As an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP: 26423) underwritten by Hollard, we offer robust insurance options, including All-Risk Inland Transit and Marine Insurance, managed by our in-house FAIS-accredited specialists.

Value-Added Employee Relocation Services

Pre-Move Surveys

We conduct thorough assessments to understand the unique needs of each relocation, offering both physical and video survey options to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

Pet Relocation

Recognising that pets are integral family members, we provide specialised services to ensure their safe and comfortable relocation, managing all aspects from travel arrangements to quarantine requirements.

Global Accreditations and Industry Affiliations

When selecting a Corporate Relocation partner, credibility, compliance, and international recognition are non-negotiable. Elliott is proud to be aligned with the world’s most respected industry bodies, demonstrating our commitment to service excellence, operational integrity, and global best practices.

FIDI Global Alliance

Elliott is a long-standing affiliate of the FIDI Global Alliance, the largest global network of international moving and relocation companies. This affiliation gives our customers access to a vetted network of best-in-class service providers across more than 100 countries, underpinned by shared standards of professionalism, accountability, and customer care. Through FIDI, Elliott maintains strong international coverage and upholds the most stringent operational protocols worldwide.

FAIM Quality Certification

We are proud to operate under the FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) Quality Standard — the most rigorous and recognised quality assurance certification in the International Moving industry. Developed by FIDI and independently audited by EY, FAIM certification is a true benchmark of excellence. At Elliott, this standard is not just a requirement—it is embedded in our organisational culture, guiding how we plan, manage, and deliver every relocation.

IAM – International Association of Movers

As an active member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), Elliott is part of a global community of over 2,100 companies operating across 170+ countries. IAM membership reflects our alignment with the highest ethical standards and service expectations in the International Moving sector and supports our continued access to industry innovation, policy advocacy, and trusted international partnerships.

ICEFAT – Fine Art and Exhibition Transport

Elliott is the only African-based moving company accredited by ICEFAT (International Convention of Exhibition and Fine Art Transporters), a highly exclusive global network representing excellence in fine art and museum-grade transport. Our affiliation with ICEFAT reinforces our capability to manage highly sensitive and high-value relocations, whether for corporate offices, executive customers, or diplomatic assignments involving artwork and artefacts.

The Imperative of Strategic Employee Relocation

Recent data underscores the growing relevance of employee relocation as a tool for business resilience and workforce optimisation. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) for Q4 2024, the formal non-agricultural sector experienced a net loss of 133,000 jobs, reducing total employment to 10.6 million. In light of this contraction, organisations are under increasing pressure to realign their workforce strategies to remain agile and operationally efficient.

South Africa as a Strategic Destination

Relocating key talent to South Africa presents a unique opportunity for global companies. With its diverse economy, robust financial sector, and world-class infrastructure, South Africa remains one of the most strategic entry points into the broader African market. Johannesburg, for instance, is widely regarded as the commercial hub of the continent. It provides a gateway to pan-African business development initiatives, while Cape Town continues to thrive as a centre for innovation, tech startups, and creative industries.

Cost Advantages of South African Assignments

In addition to competitive market access, relocating employees to South Africa offers cost advantages when compared to other global hubs. The relative affordability of living and operating costs, combined with favourable exchange rates, allows companies to deploy experienced professionals into strategic roles without incurring the high overhead typically associated with global mobility.

Supportive Infrastructure for International Assignees

Furthermore, international assignees in South Africa benefit from access to quality education, healthcare, and lifestyle amenities that support their transition and long-term assignment success. English is the primary business language, reducing barriers to communication and integration. In a global business environment where speed to productivity is critical, relocating skilled employees to South Africa can accelerate operational ramp-up and enhance project execution timelines.

Career Development and Talent Management

From a talent management perspective, international assignments in South Africa can serve as career accelerators for high-potential employees, exposing them to emerging markets and cross-cultural leadership experiences that enrich their professional growth and, by extension, contribute to a stronger leadership pipeline for the organisation.

Flexibility in a Volatile Global Market

Given the volatility of global labour markets, a strategic relocation approach—particularly into key growth markets like South Africa—provides companies with the flexibility to deploy the right expertise to the right location at the right time, driving both business continuity and long-term strategic alignment.

Aligning with Industry Trends

The global relocation landscape is evolving, with emerging trends emphasising sustainability, flexibility, and technological integration. According to a report by Relocate Magazine, there is an increased focus on sustainability within employee relocation programs, with companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable living choices. Elliott is committed to aligning with these trends by implementing eco-friendly practices and leveraging technology to enhance the relocation experience.

In an era where strategic talent deployment is critical, partnering with an experienced and reliable relocation service provider is essential. Our comprehensive suite of services, combined with our unwavering commitment to excellence, positions us as the preferred partner for organisations navigating the complexities of Employee Relocation. By entrusting us with the relocation process, companies can ensure their employees experience smooth transitions, allowing them to focus on their professional responsibilities and contribute effectively to organisational success.

For further information about Employee Relocation services or to consult with one of our Corporate Relocation Specialists, please contact us.