The percentage of new hires for international assignments plunged to 8%, according to an annual survey from Brookfield Global Relocation Services.

The report also reveals China, Brazil and India emerged as top destinations for assignments, while these countries were also cited as most challenging destinations for both expats and relocation managers.

Just 9% of international assignees are 20 to 29 years old, the lowest percentage in the report’s history and 60% of spouses/partners were employed before but just 12% during assignments.

Scott T Sullivan, executive vice president of Brookfield Global Relocation Services, says: “While companies are increasingly selecting more experienced transferees, they are faced with the ongoing challenge of connecting the value of international assignments to the bottom line.”