People Operations Abroad

Beginning in Fall 2021, Penn will return to its normal policy that all employees (faculty, staff, students, postdocs, etc.) must be working from within the United States in order to be on U.S. payroll.  This includes any individuals who continue to work remotely.  Previous accommodations due to COVID-19 will no longer be in place. 

• Faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students continue to have the opportunity to perform activities outside of the United States when they are part of a formal and approved research, study, dissertation, or sabbatical program. 

• Business travel of up to 90 days in any one country in a calendar year is generally considered acceptable without requiring additional compliance review.  However, such travel is generally not recommended if the traveler may face difficulty returning to the U.S. due to visa issues or current travel restrictions.

If you have a specific situation that you wish to discuss, please contact Becky Struwe.

If you are seeking guidance for Summer 2021, please visit the Spring/Summer 2021 guidance (Pennkey login required).

There are several elements, when working in foreign countries that might make hiring abroad a complex process. Before starting consider the following:

1. The Activity

2. The Country

3. Penn's status in that country

These are just a few aspects to be addressed to mitigate the immediate and long-term challenges and risks associated with engaging international personnel. Penn department/centers (Programs) should consider the employment laws of the host country and the planned activities of the staff. In addition, they should try to anticipate how staffing needs may change in subsequent years after the program is established. 

• The social tax withholdings, statutory benefit requirements, or local labor laws.

• How wages will be paid?

• Does compensation meet minimum obligations?

• The proper work authorization (visas, work-permits, licenses, etc.).

• US vs local benefits eligibility & requirements.