Going Global? Plan Assignments Ahead!

Today as companies look to globalize their operations, outsource personnel and meet client’s needs around the world it is important to plan international assignments with as much lead time as possible. Local immigration and employment laws throughout the world, look to protect their own labor markets and somehow control the migration of foreign nationals to their territories. Just like in the U.S., work permits, residence permits and visas for many countries have a long list of tedious requirements. In some cases translations, legalizations, authentications, and apostille’s will be required. Certain visas also require medical examinations. What is the common thread among most countries? Time. Time to apply and process. It is common to find clients looking to assign personnel “next week.” Well, that probably is not going to happen as the “9/11 restrictions on travel syndrome” have reached the farthest corners of the planet.

Collecting the information on local requirements can be a bit complicated if dealing directly with web-sites or finding local counsel in a country. At Greenberg Traurig (GT), we have an Outbound Immigration Team that has vast experience, a worldwide network and valuable relationships with many Embassy’s in Washington, D.C. that can assist in making an assignment as smooth as possible.

To contact the GT Outbound Immigration Team E-mail: Dawn Lurie (luried@gtlaw.com) or Richard Villegas (villegasr@gtlaw.com).

Return to GT Immigration Observer Table of Contents