in my case, I will be moving to a new employer so could not fall within the international assignee (which I take it you mean by "IA") definition - however, it would not be a role that could be fulfilled by a local hire so perhaps that is in my favour - so like Dr Smithy, I too am looking for the magical phrase to ask for in the employment contract - from my reading of the situation, I think the contract needs to be clear that it is for an initial period of no longer than 5 years whereas most employment contracts do not state an end date, only a start date and notice period....