When we talk about global mobility, we often focus on logistics such as housing, schooling, cost of living, and tax. But there is another piece of the puzzle that can make or break an assignment: the employee's spouse or partner experience.

As Global Mobility professionals, we know that a successful relocation depends on more than just the employee’s readiness. Increasingly, it depends on whether their partner can also thrive abroad. In today’s world, most families are dual-career households, and when one person’s career is paused because of visa or work permit restrictions, it can affect the success of the entire move.

That is why AIRINC is proud to sponsor Permits Foundation, a truly fascinating organization. I had the privilege of working there myself before joining AIRINC, and I have always been inspired by the way they advocate for accompanying partners worldwide. Permits Foundation campaigns for work authorization for the highly skilled accompanying family members of international employees so that they can work directly upon relocating to the host country. Their work has helped open opportunities for thousands of expatriate partners, making international assignments more inclusive and sustainable. 

Why Dual Careers Deserve Attention in Global Mobility

Supporting dual careers is not just about empathy, it is about assignment success. When partners are empowered to continue their careers abroad, employees are happier, families settle faster, and companies retain valuable global talent.

Even when compensation packages are competitive and destinations are attractive, assignments can still be declined if a partner cannot work. This is especially true for long-term moves, where families want stability and meaningful opportunities for everyone.

Permits Foundations regularly conducts large-scale international surveys which, time and time again, demonstrate the significant impact that partner work authorization in the host country plays on the family’s experience abroad and, consequently, on assignment success.

The Foundation’s latest survey found that spouses/partners who were not working in the host country were more likely to report a negative impact on their adjustment to the host country (44%), family relationships (36%), and/or general health/well-being (47%). Furthermore, 44% of the international organizations surveyed had employees return early from assignments due to partner employment concerns.

Permits Foundation: Advocating for Partner Work Rights Worldwide

Permits Foundation has been advocating globally for improved work permit access for expatriate partners for over two decades. Their efforts have led to real policy changes in many countries, helping partners continue their careers and contribute to local economies. The Foundation works globally and prioritizes advocacy based on the needs of its network of international employers.

Last month at their London and Paris corporate roundtables, the Foundation highlighted their recent progress in Costa Rica and South Africa. Participants discussed their ongoing concerns about recently brought in restrictions around family immigration policy in certain countries. The Foundation also unveiled their brand new website, which showcases success stories, progress, events and, of course, their World Map of partner and spouse work access.

permits world map

As someone who worked there, I can say that their dedication, creativity, and focus on real-world impact are inspiring. Their work aligns perfectly with the goals of Global Mobility: making international assignments more sustainable, inclusive, and family-friendly.

AIRINC’s Long-Term Assignments Survey

We explore this important topic as part of our latest research ‘Survey on Long-Term Assignments’. The dual career section is just one part of the broader survey, but it is an important one. The survey covers all aspects of long-term assignments, including policy design, cost of living, allowances, benefits, and family support. 

Long-Term Assignments Survey - Participate Now

Thank you to my friends at The Permits Foundation who helped me with this blog.