It was only supposed to be temporary: exploring assigned expatriates’ decision to becoming long-term migrants in their host country

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine push and pull factors influencing assigned expatriates’ (AEs) decision to remain in their host countries indefinitely as long-term migrants. Design/methodology/approach In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals from different developed countries on renewable visas in their host country of Malaysia, having arrived initially as AEs. Interview data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings The findings highlight push and pull factors and suggest that AEs’ decisions to become long-term migrants can be attributed to three contextual factors: personal, organizational and country. Practical implications This study provides insights for human resource managers to understand potential motivating factors that might influence an AE to consider remaining indefinitely in their host country as a long-term migrant, thus terminating their contract with their MNC employer. Originality/value This is among the first empirical studies in the field of international business on AEs who subsequently became long-term migrants in a host country. Moreover, it highlights the possible change in expatriates’ temporary status. It contributes to global mobility literature by examining how in highly skilled professionals, the pursuit of a long-term professional career and lifestyle improvement correlates with a “privileged” position in a host country.