Overseas working is any period spent working outside your contracted country of employment (for most staff, this is the UK) that does not meet the criteria for business travel (e.g., a short business trip). If you’re unsure whether your trip counts as business travel or overseas working, please refer to our Business Travel section or contact the International Mobility Team (IMT): international-mobility-team@imperial.ac.uk.
Overseas working requests generally fall into two categories:
- Working overseas for business reasons (e.g. there is an Imperial requirement)
- Working overseas for personal reasons (e.g. extenuating circumstances)
Regardless of the category of overseas working, the individual and the university face significant financial, legal, regulatory, and safety risks. The IMT supports staff working overseas by helping minimise these risks, ensuring compliance with local laws, and upholding Imperial’s duty of care.
The Request Type process flowchart below will help you understand which overseas working route will be most suitable.
