Expat jobs (f)or "Globally Experienced Returned Natives"?

Earlier this week, a close pal of mine pointed out to a report that mentioned the highest paid expats prefer to live in Asia! Off the cuff, it was surprising. But as one dwelled over the cost of living, it wasn't too difficult to understand that the comment was made more-in terms of the higher savings potential visavis the Western world.

However, since global hiring opportunities are close to my heart, I tried getting to the source of the above- the HSBC Bank International Expat Explorer Surveys of 2009 and the earlier one in 2008. Well, they examine the financial circumstances of expats and compare the experiences of people living in different countries.The downturn has meant that some people are even considering giving up their expat status and returning to their country of origin primarily due to limited career prospects (28%),reduced value for money (19%)
'reduction of lifestyle(16%) apart from reduced length of contract (15%).

Reflecting on the major employment trends, especially in the last six months, I notice there could be some interesting lessons for us to learn from.

-Large multinational companies -known for fostering global talent-have recalled most of their senior executives in expat assignments, to give them plum roles back in the 'home country'. Simple logic. A great saving in each of the actions, as otherwise these executives were on expat salaries, with housing, education and other perks being multiplied as all were away on secondment!!

-Given that the expansion plans were on hold, and most companies have had to rightsize, there has been a rising tendency to protect the local 'sons of soil' in most countries. Hundreds of foreigners are returning from the Middle East daily-while the European Union has made it mandatory -and even USA is insisting on a certain reservation for its own citizens.

-Tacit acceptance that even among the range of expat jobs available among a large number of 'globally managed companies', there is a difference in the compensation depending on the nationality of the employee!

-Several companies have put their expat compensation under the scanner as allowances are undergoing a sea change since India is now seen as a land of opportunities...

In a world where 'orchestrated networking' is helping globalisation, will we see more decentralization- leading to changing organisation structure -say from the traditional pyramidical hierarchy to a more 'matrixed' one-that may not be as 'top heavy' as before? Do we see telecommuting and telepresence adding new dimensions?

Are we going to see a different mode of cross border hiring? Would there be a case for say hiring more 'returning Indians'- for CXO positions for MNCs in India-as they would leverage on their global experience and the Indian roots? Do we see some key roles -presently held by Western expats, being replaced with lesser cost Asian expats? I shall be glad to have your offline remarks as usual...