Case: Byens Bilpleje
Strategic International Recruitment - 20 Work Permits on Fast Track
With the help of Visumansøgning.dk, Byens Bilpleje has hired 20 specialized car painters from the Philippines in the past year - and an additional 22 are on their way.
Byens Bilpleje, a nationwide car care chain for both businesses and private individuals, has for many years felt the car industry's lack of specialized labor. Therefore, the company - like so many others - has had to look beyond Denmark's borders for new colleagues.
Today, the company employs 450 employees - of which 200 have a foreign background. International recruitment is thus not a temporary solution, but an integrated part of the business. Challenges with, among other things, retaining foreign employees have, however, meant that the recruitment strategy has had to be adjusted along the way.
DENNIS ODGAARD, CEO, BYENS BILPLEJE
"When we choose a partner like Visumansøgning.dk, it's about freeing up internal resources for a very heavy task - but equally about minimizing the risk of errors that could delay the process."
A conscious strategic course change
Byens Bilpleje has previously recruited labor from Eastern European countries. The model covered the short-term need for hands, but experiences showed that retention over a longer period was challenged. Therefore, the management made a conscious decision to change course.
"Our goal was to develop a more sustainable and long-term international recruitment model – one that ensures both professional quality, stronger integration and higher retention," explains Dennis Odgaard, CEO of Byens Bilpleje.
The choice fell on the Philippines.
English as a second mother tongue, high professionalism, and cultural openness made the country a strategic match. The company is so satisfied with the first group of 20 Filipino employees that they are now planning to apply for work permits for an additional 22.
High complexity - and risk minimization
The worst possible scenario for Byens Bilpleje was to be faced with one or more rejected work permits for employees who had already been promised employment.
According to Dennis Odgaard, the company was very aware of the complexity associated with applying for a work permit in Denmark.
"The process requires that one can navigate across three different legislations: EU legislation, Danish legislation, and the rules of the Philippine authorities, including the so-called Red Ribbon rule set. It is extremely complex and not something we have the time or opportunity to delve into," explains Dennis.
"When we choose a partner like Visumansøgning.dk, it's about both freeing up internal resources for a very heavy task - but just as much about minimizing the risk of errors that can delay the process," he continues.
If the documents submitted to SIRI raise additional questions, the processing time will be extended, and in the worst case, the application may be rejected. In such a case, the employment falls through.
Specialist advice as a prerequisite for success
Already in the initial phase of recruitment, Byens Bilpleje involved Visumansøgning.dk. It turned out to be crucial for the further process. The early involvement ensured a structured process without unnecessary setbacks.
"Visumansøgning.dk had a clear and very thorough process right from the start, detailing which documents we needed to provide, and how we should meet the requirements of the authorities. It was evident that they had extensive experience - both with the legislation and with the procedures at SIRI (The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration). It was really reassuring," says Dennis.
Work Permits - from start to finish
Visumansogning.dk has handled all work permits from start to finish in a structured and efficient process. This has enabled Byens Bilpleje to focus on other time-consuming onboarding tasks such as flights, housing, and insurance.
- Handling the entire application process
- Quality assurance of all documentation
- Ongoing dialogue with SIRI
- Coordination of authority processes across countries
- Handling of Red Ribbon requirements
A comprehensive recruitment concept - with the family at the center
What sets Byens Bilpleje apart from the conventional way of thinking about international labor is their long-term perspective and comprehensive concept.
The new Filipino employees arrive in Denmark, among other things, as pairs - two by two - to ensure their well-being from day one. Once they have been in the country for a period of time, have settled in, and all parties agree that they want a permanent employment relationship, Byens Bilpleje works purposefully to be able to gather cohabitants or spouses and children in Denmark.
The ambition is for the spouse to find employment at Byens Bilpleje, for example in preparation, cleaning or other functions. This creates security, increases retention, and supports permanent integration into the Danish labor market.
International recruitment thus becomes not just a staffing solution - but a socially responsible and strategic model for Byens Bilpleje.
Fast Track and strong HR as foundation
When Dennis Odgaard looks back at the process that has ensured the growth of Byens Bilpleje, he highlights several crucial factors.
The City's Car Care is Fast Track-certified, which has significantly accelerated the work permit processes. This is a major reason why the process has proceeded so smoothly. Another is the company's well-established and agile HR function, which plays a central role in the entire process.
- Create a long-term international recruitment strategy
- Achieve Fast Track certification - it significantly accelerates the process
- Ally yourselves with a specialist in work permits
- Ensure to have a strong and agile HR function in place
Would you like to hear more about how we can help your business quickly and safely achieve work permits?
