Expat experience in Xinjiang

Introduction

An European company specialised in energy infrastructure construction with operation in the Xinjiang region of China was having an situation where many expat engineers were resigning from the project.

Progress

The situation continued to deteriorate, and the company was at risk of missing critical delivery schedule. Security department took effort into understanding the situation, and the result was unexpected.

Result

Local authority had received revised security policy on foreign espionage prevention. The policy caused foreign expats to be under different level of physical and digital surveillance; some expats felt uncomfortable and resigned. After efforts of educating expats and liaising with the authority, the situation was under control.

Meaning

Management is responsible for the well-being of its staff, and political factors shall be considered in formulating security risk mitigation strategies.