A little diversity in the workplace will not hurt anybody. Studies have shown that a person’s ability to adapt to new environments and think outside the box are two essential skills for any workplace. Moreover, society is inching towards a more inclusive work environment, making hiring immigrants a viable business option.
While it might be ideal for the business, it can be challenging to deal with when you consider the different immigration statuses of employees. It can be a nightmare for the Human Resources division if the company is not careful. The HR department ensures that the company is adhering to the law and that everyone in the workplace is comfortable.
Hiring immigrants will require unique treatment from the HR division, especially when looking for the best talent that would further the company’s growth. Here are a few things that the HR department should watch out for when hiring immigrants:
Different Types of Visa
The type of visa an applicant has is essential to know when hiring them, as it dictates what the employee can and cannot do while in the country. There are different types of visas, including work visas, student visas, and tourist visas. Each of them has its restrictions and regulations.
Work visas are perhaps the most critical type of visa to be aware of when hiring immigrants. Work visas allow employees to work in a particular position for a specific company. There are many different types of work visas, each with its own set of regulations. For example, the H-1B visa is a famous work visa for skilled workers in specialty occupations. This visa has a lot of restrictions, including that the employee must have a degree in their field and that the employer must file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One thing to remember when hiring employees with work visas is that their visas will expire at some point. The employee will then need to leave the country or apply for a renewal. It is essential to keep track of expiration dates and plan accordingly. Failing to do so could result in deportation and hefty business fines.
Language Barriers
When hiring immigrants, the HR department needs to identify if the applicant can speak the native language. Communication barriers can occur if both parties cannot communicate in the same vocabulary. It can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace.
Therefore, the HR department must ensure that everyone in the workplace can communicate effectively. This can be done by screening applicants to see if they can speak the native language. If not, the HR department should provide translation services so that communication remains unhindered.
Failing to do so could lead to tension in the workplace and decreased productivity. It is therefore essential for businesses to make sure that all employees can communicate with each other without any problems.
Criminal Record
When hiring immigrants, the HR department needs to conduct a background check to ensure that the employee has no criminal record. This is especially important if the employee works in a sensitive position or with confidential company information.
Background checks are essential for all employees, not just immigrants. However, businesses must do a background check on foreign applicants. This is because some countries do not have the same law enforcement system as the United States. As a result, some applicants may have a criminal record that would not show up in a standard background check.
Therefore, it is essential for businesses to specifically request a background check that covers the applicant’s home country. It will give the HR department a more accurate picture of the applicant’s criminal history.
Unfortunately, the immigrant might get into trouble with immigration when caught with a criminal record. In such cases, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer. They will be able to advise on the best course of action for both the employer and the employee. Getting bail bonds for immigration services might also be necessary to help the employee stay in the country.
Failing to do so could result in an employee with a criminal record working in a sensitive position or with confidential company information. Therefore, businesses must conduct a background check on all employees, especially foreign applicants.
Diversity and Discrimination
When hiring immigrants, businesses must be aware of diversity and discrimination laws. These laws protect employees from being mistreated because of their race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Businesses must ensure that they do not discriminate against applicants based on these protected characteristics. They should also create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all employees, regardless of their background.
The HR department should also be prepared to deal with any complaints of discrimination or harassment. These complaints should be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
Key Takeaways
Hiring immigrants can be a great way to add diversity and talent to your workplace. However, there are some things that HR needs to watch out for when hiring foreigners. It includes different types of visas, language barriers, and criminal records. By being aware of these potential issues, you can avoid problems in the workplace and ensure that your business runs smoothly.
