Permits Foundation hosts successful and thought-provoking International Dual Careers Conference in London
25 October 2015Permits Foundation held its annual International Dual Careers Conference in London this month. The theme – “Developing a 20/20 vision” – was about sharing the Foundation’s current activities and plans in the context of the bigger picture, from mobility to diversity to creating a secure, prosperous and sustainable world – with high profile speakers including Sir David Warren, former British Ambassador to Japan; Aaron Gatt Floridia, President of Schlumberger’s Reservoir Characterization Group, and Erik Bonino, Chairman of Shell UK.
“Enabling dual careers is becoming increasingly critical for Schlumberger to develop top talent and support gender balance.” Aaron Gatt Floridia, Schlumberger
“With operations in more than 70 countries, the ability to deploy skills and expertise where they are most needed is a critical factor in the success of our company. In fact, roughly one in ten of our 94,000 plus employees are on an international assignment at any time. Some will make the move alone but in many cases a partner has to uproot themselves from their own jobs to accompany their Shell loved one to a new location. The focus of Permits Foundation in demonstrating to governments the case for enabling work eligibility for partners is incredibly valuable for global organisations such as ours.” Erik Bonino, Shell
There was also an emphasis on hearing different perspectives – with speakers presenting their individual, business and country points of view, including valuable insights from India and Brazil, where Permits Foundation is actively campaigning for the right of dependants to work and progress is being made.
High on the agenda was the UK’s current review of Tier 2 visas, including the possible restriction of family members’ right to work. Permits Foundation recently gathered views from more than a thousand Tier 2 employees and their partners for its response to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The survey showed resounding support to retain the right, backed up by compelling evidence of the economic and social benefits. Professor Sir David Metcalf, Chair of the MAC, addressed key points of the overall Tier 2 review, as well as the issues around the right of dependants to work. He expressed his appreciation for the Permits Foundation submission and the quality of evidence from the survey.
Executive director Katy van der Wilk showed how the countries that allow dependants to work now number 30 and continue to grow. These international developments were important examples for the UK Tier 2 review and also gave optimism to extend the Permits Foundation campaign further into Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Further reading:
Read the full Conference Brochure
Read our submission to the MAC with a full, in-depth report on our findings.
Summary of regulations in countries that allow dependants to work
View the conference presentations:
Schlumberger: Support of dual careers and Permits Foundation
Permits Foundation: Overview and 5 year plan
The impact of removing dependents’ right to work in the UK
Brazil: Progress and plans in Permits Foundation’s global campaign
India: Progress and plans in Permits Foundation’s global campaign
See photos from the event:
