The partners of diplomatic staff face numerous challenges due to the fact that a diplomatic career involves being transferred to different postings. Many of them have life and career plans of their own, but find it difficult to fulfil them because they frequently have to relocate with their partners and are expected to carry out certain embassy tasks themselves.
Accompanying persons face these challenges in many European countries. To discuss the problems and possible solutions, some 60 EUFASA delegates are holding their annual conference on 13 and 14 May at the Kulturcasino in Bern. At the invitation of the VEEDA (Association of Spouses and Partners of Transferrable Employees of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs), delegates from 24 European countries discuss possible solutions, compare best practices in the member states and draft recommendations to submit to their foreign ministries. This year's conference focuses on the professional and employment opportunities of accompanying persons and the effects of a "nomadic life" on children and teenagers.
The opening address was delivered by Friedrun Burkhalter, Honorary President of VEEDA and wife of Didier Burkhalter, Head of the FDFA. She praised the commitment of accompanying persons, who contribute to a diplomatic mission's success. "They are an important part of our country's diplomacy", she noted, adding that it is in the best interest of governments to create good living and working conditions for accompanying persons.
Spouses and partners perform important work, such as maintaining contacts, managing events, representing their country and managing personnel. But they also face potential problems, restrictions in pursuing their own career, potential bans on taking up employment in the country of deployment, lack of social insurance coverage, etc. A growing number of accompanying persons, particularly the younger ones, are no longer prepared to follow their partner abroad.
The FDFA is aware of the importance of accompanying persons and makes every effort to address their concerns. Two measures are particularly noteworthy: First, the Family Office, the official information centre for all FDFA accompanying persons, was established in 2003. The Family Office provides information and advice to accompanying persons on the FDFA's support measures and in particular on transfers, residence and work permits, schools and retirement plan solutions. Second, the Dual Career project was launched in 2012. Following an assessment of needs, it develops measures to support accompanying persons. The goal is to help accompanying persons keep their careers on track during transfers within Switzerland and abroad.
Contact
FDFA Information
+41 (0)31 322 31 53
Further information:
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
