What’s New with Permits Foundation this Quarter?

Permits Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation share their news.

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This article is taken from the Autumn 2024 issue of

Think Global People magazine

Click on the cover to access the digital edition.
View your copy of the Autumn 2024 issue of Think Global People magazine.
Permits Foundation is encouraging feedback to its advocacy survey (available on their world map) where it asks: “In which country would you most welcome (further) legislative improvements to enable partner/spouse work access?”With the recent success of its Ireland campaign, in Autumn 2024 it will be selecting a new priority advocacy destination. The survey feedback will help to pinpoint new and emerging global mobility destinations.Through the autumn, the Foundation will be reaching out to its network for feedback on Singapore ahead of planned advocacy there.It will also continue to add country content to the world map. Stay tuned to our news page for information regarding work in its other priority countries.

Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference

As immigration reform continues in South Africa, Permits Foundation were pleased to contribute via video message to the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference in Johannesburg, which featured high-level corporate and government speakers.  Permits Foundation welcomed the findings in the recent Xpatweb South Africa Critical Skills Survey Report 2024 that:
  • 84% of HR respondents acknowledged the ongoing and escalating significance of dual career and partner issues within their organisations
  • 96% of respondents agreed spouses/partners of Critical Skills Visa holders should be able to work on recognition of their dependent status.

Read related articles


Future of Global Mobility

"Relocate’s 20th Anniversary celebration of the 'Future of Global Mobility' is a hugely meaningful theme for Permits Foundation as our work evolves in alignment with the needs of international employers, employees and their families," commented Françoise van Roosmalen, Permits Foundation coordinator."Permits Foundation’s surveys looked at the skillsets of accompanying partners, many of whom were in host countries unable to work. Our findings show that these partners are not only highly qualified (88% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher) but also have experience in sectors where skill shortages are projected – education, healthcare, engineering, technology and finance. The Foundation views untapped talent in the host country as an important component of the future of global mobility."

Coming Up Next:

In September, the Foundation met with the European Commission to talk about Member State implementation of EU directives as well as support for inclusive global mobility.On September 26th the Foundation will be speaking at the ECA Government Forum in London.In October, the Foundation will be holding our quarterly Board meeting in Amsterdam and at the end of that month will be hosting a roundtable at the Forum for Expat Management EMEA Summit.

Interested in Joining the Permits Foundation Network?

Companies looking to help facilitate global partner employment access by joining the Permits Foundation network of sponsors can contact our Foundation Coordinator, Francoise van Roosmalen, at Francoise.VanRoosmalen@PermitsFoundation.com for information about becoming a sponsor.“The theme of partner employment access being an intrinsic part of the future of work really resonated at our recent conference. What at first sight might seem to be a niche topic has an incredible ripple effect, impacting talent attraction and retention, meeting country skills needs and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.” said Permits Foundation Director, Helen Frew.

Inclusive Global Mobility – Dual Careers

At the recent Permits Foundation Conference, Des McKell, svp at NetExpat highlighted that the relocating partner continues to be the number one reason why talent will ultimately reject the opportunity of a relocation or assignment.“We really need to look at the current demographic of tomorrow’s mobile workforce”, he explained.“There are some very particular characteristics. We know that 90% of Gen Y partners are professionally active at the point of contemplating a relocation, more qualifi ed than they have ever been before and they want to work. We know that three quarters of those couples consider maintaining the dual income as signifi cant or critical to decision making.“That poses questions for employers. How are you setting up your talent to go home and have that successful, strong conversation with their partner, the kitchen table conversation?”There has also been a shift away from traditional long-term assignments to permanent moves, he explained. “Historically those moves came with a housing allowance and cost of living allowance and this was a wonderful cushion for families to be able to take up an assignment.“Today, permanent movers hit the ground running on day one. If they are relying on dual income they have to find that dual income very quickly.”Read more at relocateglobal.com

Relocate Awards 2024:Celebrating success

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Permits Foundation supporters scooped two awards that illustrate the importance of dual careers and the expatriate family experience.Winners were presented with their trophies at the prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony held on 7 June at Two Temple Place in London. Read the page turning Awards Supplement for full details.

Excellence in Family Support: NetExpat

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The judges said their entry “Demonstrated the value of family support on all levels”. Read the online article here.The award was collected by Alain Verstandig, President and Des McKell, SVP Advisory & Global Partnerships, NetExpat.

Best Research Contribution: Heather De Cruz-Cornaire, Café Coach

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The judges explained, “This is an extremely interesting piece of research that demonstrates in particular, the value that coaching can make to assignment success. A low cost intervention can result in an improved assignee and family experience leading to positive outcomes”. Crucially, she looked at the importance of considering the human element in international moves in work for relocation agency REA.The award was collected by Heather De Cruz-Cornaire, Café Coach. Read the full article here.

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