One of the most exciting developments supporting global mobility today is being led by Permits Foundation. This independent and not-for-profit organisation campaigns to improve work permit regulations for expat partners so they can more easily gain employment during an international assignment.
Thirty countries (and counting…)
Launched in 2001, Permits Foundation has been progressively successful in influencing change throughout the EU as well as in the USA and across Asia. Currently, more than 30 countries allow accompanying spouses or partners to work. The organisation promotes best practices and monitors legislative improvements in all of these countries while looking to set up new projects elsewhere.
Positive talks in India
Most recently, Permits Foundation Board Member Katy van der Wilk and Director Michiel van Campen visited New Delhi where they held ‘positive talks’ with India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, and other key stakeholders, to discuss the Foundation’s proposal for ‘spouse work authorisation’.
‘Triple win’
Across our field, we are increasingly learning about factors that will boost the willingness of couples to embark on an assignment (and increase the likelihood of an assignment’s success). Permits Foundation’s own surveys have revealed that governments which allow partners to work will attract highly skilled employees associated with international business, investment and development. This creates what Permits Foundation calls a ‘triple win’ (for host countries, employers and families alike).
Photo: Permits Foundation, London conference 2017
