Issues faced on international assignments and the responsibility of companies towards employees
The priority of a departing employee is upholding the laws and regulations of the home country and the country the employee intends on being employed in. Majority of the tasks undertaken are the responsibility of the Human Resources department. Appendix 1 contains a list of what HR professionals can do to encourage a successful secondment programme as set out in the journal Personnel Today (2005:2)
Law and work related issues
Issue: Contract
Ethical Responsibility of company: The employer company should correspond with the international branch to set up a contract regarding the transfer or relocation. Different countries have different regulations regarding what is compulsory for a contract (Appendix 2 provides stipulated clauses for a few countries). A comprehensive contract should be negotiated ensuring all matters are taken into account to prevent and possible future problems. The contract should include job titles and appointments, commencements and term, accommodation and termination. Explanatory notes on the Appointment of Employee to Overseas Post are seen in Appendix 3. Secondments have less legal implications as the secondee will remain employed by the original employer during the secondment. (Net Lawman Ltd, 2007: 3)
Issue: Foreign worker permits
Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Permits
Ethical Responsibility of company: The human resources (HR) department should apply to The Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment for foreign worker permits or consulate offices of the relevant country for visas. ...