How would you navigate a situation where a top candidate's work permit application gets rejected last minute?

1 Assess Options

When a work permit is denied, it's important to promptly assess the situation to determine the next best course of action. You should review the reasons for the rejection and check if there's a possibility to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation. Sometimes, rejections are due to minor errors or missing information that can be quickly rectified. If an appeal is not feasible, you might consider alternative visa options or even different roles within the company that may have less stringent work permit requirements.

2 Legal Consult

Consulting with legal experts specializing in immigration law is a critical step. They can provide clarity on the intricacies of the work permit process and offer guidance on whether an appeal would be successful. A legal professional can also help you understand the specific regulations that may have led to the rejection and advise on how to strengthen a future application. Remember, immigration laws vary greatly by country, so localized legal advice is invaluable.

5 Explore Remote

In today's interconnected world, remote work has become a viable alternative. If the candidate's role can be performed remotely, propose this as a temporary or permanent solution. This approach allows you to leverage the candidate's expertise without the need for a work permit. Additionally, it gives you time to address any permit issues or to eventually transition the individual to an on-site position if desired.

6 Retain Talent

Lastly, consider ways to retain the candidate within your global organization if possible. If there's a branch or affiliate of your company in the candidate's home country or in a location where they have work authorization, explore opportunities there. This not only keeps the talent within your corporate family but also demonstrates your commitment to the candidate and your ability to provide global career opportunities.