The Immigration Stories of EER Middle East: Janice Trinidad

Diving into the personal immigration stories of the team at EER Middle East showcases the rich diversity of our team and the journeys they have taken. It is also a uniting tapestry, underlining the similarities shared between expatriates from all walks of life as well as the challenges and benefits they face in their new homes. Sharing these experiences in this series will hopefully speak to those considering taking the leap or individuals who are still trying to get settled in a new destination, letting them know that our team understands exactly what they are going through.

We continue our unveiling of the EER Middle East immigration stories with our newly appointed Director of Immigration and Relocation, Janice Trinidad. 

Janice, you were recently promoted to a new role within EER Middle East – congratulations – can you share with us what this new role entails?

I now oversee both the relocation and immigration teams, with a focus on building a unified, high-performing team that delivers consistent, end-to-end support to our clients and their assignees. This includes not only developing team capabilities but also integrating both teams so they grow together at the same level, aligned in approach and mindset. A key part of my role is ensuring we retain our existing clients through service excellence while also expanding our client portfolio through strategic partnership and relationship-building.

What do you hope to achieve in your new position?

I aim to strengthen our position as a trusted service provider known for quality, consistency and excellence in service delivery.

What is often the most surprising thing people discover about the international relocation process?

Relocation is rarely as simple as it seems – there are many emotional, social, cultural and professional layers to consider beyond the physical move.

Can you talk us through your own relocation journey?

I started my career in the Philippines as a Global Mobility Specialist, which only served to strengthen my own desire to spread my wings. I was lucky enough to then get the opportunity to move to Singapore, where I lived and worked for almost eight years as an International Assignment Consultant & Client Services Manager. Being an expat myself at this point further enhanced my ability to assist clients and assignees, as I could understand more of the nuances of relocation in general. Clearly, my travel journey wasn’t over though and three years ago I moved to Dubai and joined EER Middle East. Not only does this mean I get to live in the vibrant landscape of the UAE, but now I am also a regular visitor to Saudi Arabia as part of my work supporting our local office and operations.

What motivated your travels?

Curiosity, culture and people. Exploring new places fuels my creativity and broadens how I see the world.

What did you find the most surprising about the places you’ve been and the process you went through?

I think when we grow up, we sort of unconsciously feel like places are generally quite similar or have trouble understanding how different somewhere else can be from what we are familiar with. But each place has a unique cultural evolution. Discovering the DNA of a place is so rewarding and enriching, but I have also found myself in some awkward moments, luckily they helped me grow in empathy and cultural understanding. It also has helped me relate to assignees who are concerned about adapting to new cultures.

How has your experience shaped the way you can help assignees and clients?

Firsthand experience taught me that cultural sensitivity is key. By keeping this front and centre, our team can create thoughtful, practical solutions tailored to each individual’s and client’s reality.

What are the key lessons you learned from your own journey?

Every location is different – approach each move with respect and a learning mindset. Resistance often makes transitions harder than they need to be.

What is your top tip for anyone considering relocation?

Be open-minded. Prepare yourself (and your family) for the emotional curve of change and take every opportunity you can to learn from locals.

If you had to relocate tomorrow to a new place, where would it be and why?

Somewhere unfamiliar – where I can stretch my perspective, grow even more and discover what else I’m capable of.

If you have any questions about our relocation, immigration or corporate services, please get in touch with our expert team on +971 4 421 1819 or info@eerme.com.

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