From Mr James Johnston.
Sir, Three cheers for the investment banks actively trying to recruit gay and lesbian staff in Asia. However, Raphael Minder’s article “Cool reception for Asia’s gay workers” (January 15) acknowledges but barely touches on the numerous difficulties that these new gay recruits may experience later in their careers once “partnered” if they consider transfers to other Asian countries.
Two years after I was transferred to Tokyo my male partner was refused re-entry to Japan at Narita airport and had to return to England. The agreement made earlier with the immigration authorities was no longer deemed acceptable. Although HSBC’s human resources department had given him all the benefits of an “expat” spouse, Japanese immigration law could not treat him similarly.
Five months of unwelcome separation followed before he could return to Japan. Despite finding a workable solution, the uncertainty surrounding subsequent annual visa renewals curbed my willingness to extend my stay in Japan and we returned to England just two years later.
Visa problems are not the only impediments to successful international relocations for gay staff. Even at senior levels, gay or lesbian partners are more likely to have their own careers than their heterosexual counterparts. An overseas transfer or promotion for one may require the abandonment of a career by the partner. A reluctance to abandon a satisfying career for the uncertain stimuli of the “expat spouses” circuit is sometimes understandable.
James Johnston,
Source: ft.comÂ
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