As businesses face challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of travel limits placed on employees due to potential risks have become a major focus of many conversations. However, what often fails to be discussed is the potential for further complicated travel restrictions on employees due to factors such as anti-LGBTQ laws and abortion bans.
While most companies are well aware of the importance of making sure their employees are safe when travelling to countries that could potentially put them in danger, the restrictive laws placed on marginalized communities and women’s rights in certain countries can make it difficult for employees to plan and manage their business trips.
For instance, abortion bans and anti-LGBTQ laws, often passed based on religious beliefs, could limit the ability of companies to send certain employees abroad. For example, an anti-LGBTQ law in one country could prohibit openly LGBTQ employees from travelling there, while an abortion ban prevents any employee from receiving essential health care while they’re abroad. Additionally, a company could also experience pushback from stakeholders due to their travelling practices if it sends employees abroad to places with restrictive laws.
Furthermore, restrictions placed on short-term visas like the 60-day business visas could further impact an employee’s ability to travel abroad. For instance, if an employee has to stay longer than the allotted period, they could be forced to obtain an extension which can be difficult in some countries.
Overall, it is clear that anti-LGBTQ laws, abortion bans, and other restrictive laws present a range of challenges for business travel. Companies need to be aware of the potential implications of sending employees to places with such laws, and the impact it could have on their businesses if they fail to consider this. Companies should also make sure that their employees are well-informed about their destination’s local laws and regulations, and provide them with the necessary support to ensure their safety and well-being while travelling.