What term is used for nationals of a parent company who are assigned to work in foreign subsidiaries?

The term "expatriates" refers specifically to employees who are originally from the nation where the parent company is headquartered but are assigned to work in a subsidiary located in a different country. This assignment usually involves a significant cultural adjustment for the employee, as they must adapt to both a new work environment and possibly a different lifestyle. Expatriates are often selected for their specialized skills or management experience that can benefit the foreign subsidiary, making them valuable assets as they help maintain the company's standards and practices in an international context.

In contrast, the other terms have distinct meanings in international employment. Immigrants are individuals who move to a foreign country to live on a more permanent basis, often for reasons like seeking better economic opportunities or escaping conflict. Locals refer to individuals who are natives of the country or region in which the subsidiary is located, often possessing local knowledge and cultural ties. Third-country nationals are employees who work for the parent company but are citizens of a different country than either the parent company or the subsidiary they are working in. Each of these terms highlights different aspects of international employment and mobility, but "expatriates" is uniquely focused on nationals of the parent company operating abroad.