This first-ever Europe-wide analysis of labour market participation found an overall employment rate of just 48% among foreign service partners and spouses – even though 91% of the respondents had completed a university degree. This is significantly lower than the employment rate of 86.98% among adults with a tertiary-level education in the OECD region. The study also found widespread job precarity among those who were employed or self-employed, and significant barriers linked to frequent relocation, legal constraints and gender inequality. Policy recommendations are made to support career continuity, protect social security, and prevent long-term economic and social costs for diplomatic families.

Read the report here.