Who are expatriates in the context of international employment?

Expatriates are individuals who are citizens of one country and are temporarily residing and working in another country, typically through their employer's arrangement. In the context of international employment, expatriates are often home country nationals employed in a position outside their home country to manage, supervise, or transfer skills and knowledge to operations in the host country.

This designation of expatriates is essential for companies looking to strengthen their international presence or facilitate business operations abroad. These individuals often face unique challenges such as cultural adjustment, legal compliance, and potential difficulties in integrating into the local workforce. The international assignment is generally intended to benefit both the employee’s career trajectory and the organization’s goals in expanding or maintaining its global operations.

Other options refer to distinct groups of employees but do not fit the definition of expatriates. For example, employees who refuse relocation do not engage in international assignments, while foreign nationals hired for local positions are typically considered local hires rather than expatriates. Local employees transitioned into management roles are often native to the host country and not classified as expatriates either. Therefore, the correct identification of expatriates as home country nationals living and working abroad accurately reflects their role within the international employment landscape.