Making Long-Term International Assignments Successful

Author: Matthew Howse, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP

Introduction

Organizations may use international assignments to fulfill a business need abroad rather than hire a new employee to work for the overseas business. International assignments may be used for a number of different reasons, such as to:

• Introduce a new initiative;
• Cover an overseas employee's period of absence (e.g., parental leave);
• Carry out a specific task or project for a limited duration; or
• Develop the business in another country or region prior to making a permanent appointment.

This guide covers situations in which an employee works a long-term assignment abroad and remains employed by their employer in their home country and explores the arrangements that employers can put into place to ensure the success of an international assignments program.