Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Employers have which of the following obligations with regard to international assignee protection?

1. They must carry kidnap and ransom insurance for high hazard areas.

2. They have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to protect their expatriates.

3. They must have a written crisis management plan in place.

4. Employers have the same obligation for international assignees as they do for home country nationals.

The correct answer is: They have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to protect their expatriates.

The correct answer highlights the employer's duty of care, which is a legal and ethical obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, including expatriates working abroad. This duty encompasses taking reasonable steps to protect international assignees from potential risks associated with their assignment in foreign locations, such as political instability, health crises, and other safety concerns. Employers need to conduct thorough risk assessments, provide adequate training on local laws and customs, ensure that assignees have access to necessary resources, and implement safety protocols. By doing so, organizations can not only safeguard their employees but also positively impact employee morale and productivity. In contrast, while kidnap and ransom insurance may be a prudent measure for high-risk areas, it is not a universal obligation under the duty of care. Similarly, having a written crisis management plan is important but does not encompass the entirety of the employer's responsibilities. Lastly, while employers must provide a certain level of protection to home country nationals, the obligations for international assignees involve additional considerations due to the unique challenges they face abroad.