What is a secondment abroad ?
Links Consultants assists consultants in setting up their secondment abroad.
Secondment abroad is a professional situation in which a person is sent to a foreign country for a fixed period by their company or employer, while remaining contractually bound to their home company.
During the period of secondment, the seconded employee continues to be employed by and paid by his/her home company. Working conditions and social benefits, such as social protection, paid leave, health coverage, etc., generally remain governed by the employment law of the home company.
It is important to note that secondment abroad is governed by specific rules that vary from country to country and may differ from those that apply to expatriation. These rules relate in particular to the administrative, tax and social formalities that need to be completed in order to be able to work legally in the host country.
What is the difference between secondment and expatriation ?
Expatriation refers to a situation where a person leaves his/her country of origin to work in another country, either permanently or for an indefinite period. This means that the expatriate generally settles in the host country and establishes his/her main residence there. Expatriates often have local contracts and are subject to the laws of the host country.
To sum up, the main difference between expatriation and secondment abroad lies in the duration of the assignment and the laws governing the person's professional situation abroad. Expatriation refers to a long-term situation, whereas secondment is often short-term. Expatriates are subject to the laws of the host country, while seconded employees remain subject to the laws and rules of their home company.