The international market is seeing an increased investment in travel risk management, yet the South African market seems to have slowed in investing in preventative measures.
Here in South Africa, businesses are legally responsible under a duty of care policy to provide secure safety plans for employees, particularly when travelling.
‘There was a great deal of focus around travel security and risk management programmes prior to COVID. Then the pandemic hit, travel stopped, borders closed, and people just weren’t going anywhere.’ – Jared Higgins Arcfyre CEO
Budgets took a hit, employers adopted a reactive over a proactive approach to travel risk management and decreased resources and funds typically allocated to contingency planning as well as building resilient travel programs.
The most common risks are:
- Political Instability
Particularly in Central, North and North-West Africa, with demonstrations in many developed countries such as the UK, France and the US also resulting in violence and conflict with authorities.
- Petty Crime
The increase in theft and pickpocketing with the global cost of living crisis, rising unemployment and inflation.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA)
In many parts of Africa, vehicle safety, driving practices and road infrastructure often fall below acceptable safety standards, increasing the risk of MVA’s and the need for urgent and quality medical attention.
- Health
Accessing adequate healthcare and medical facilities when needed, particularly if facilities are situated few and remotely far between.
- Societal and Cultural
Female travellers encounter heightened risks in many countries, and LGBTQIA+ travellers are potentially subject to discrimination, criminal charges and even incarceration or deportation.
Risks are constantly evolving and change from one location to another, and businesses face the risk of employee litigation if a lack of duty of care and subsequently poor risk management policies are evident.