What designation is given to an employee from a foreign country working in a company that is not headquartered in their native country?

The designation given to an employee from a foreign country working in a company that is not headquartered in their native country is referred to as a third-country national. This term specifically identifies individuals who are nationals of a country different from both the company's home country (where the company is headquartered) and the host country (where the company is operating).

Third-country nationals are often brought into a company to provide expertise, skills, or perspectives that are not readily available from either the home-country or host-country workforce. Their unique backgrounds can help organizations navigate international markets and diverse workplace dynamics effectively.

In contrast, home-country nationals are employees working in their own country, while host-country nationals are individuals who are employed in their own country but work for a foreign company. Inpatriates are employees who are sent from a foreign subsidiary to the headquarters of the parent company, further illustrating the distinct roles of each designation in international business contexts.