International SOS and IOE focus on medical and security risks impacting global business in the Middle East and abroad

International SOS, the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company, has formally partnered with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) to provide medical and security expertise to support key IOE policy areas across the 143 countries in which it operates, including in the Middle East.

Regional members of the IOE include the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), Council of Saudi Chambers, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

As well as broader work around the world, the IOE and International SOS will work closely on regional issues and policy to support business organisation in areas such as international labour standards, CSR and occupational health and safety. The two organisations will also advocate for regulatory frameworks at the international level that favour entrepreneurship, private sector development, and sustainable job creation.

Linda Kromjong, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers, said:

“As social and labour policy increasingly focuses on migration and the travel health risks and opportunities associated with this, our partnership with International SOS will serve to strengthen and further inform our position in the global debate. Well-managed labour migration is a key element for business to achieving its goals in talent management and diversity.”

The IOE convenes the largest network of the private sector employers in the world, reaching 155 business and employer organisation members. The IOE and International SOS have supported each other over the years through a number of key health and thought-leadership initiatives. During the height of the Ebola outbreak, International SOS provided educational materials to IOE for distribution to their members. Likewise, the IOE shared their expertise in the development of a global framework that guides organisations in identifying and managing risks to the safety, health and security of those travelling for their work or on international assignment.

The announcement comes ahead of the First Annual Global Employers’ Summit taking place in Bahrain, 6 -7 October 2015 where International SOS will participate in a panel discussion on International Labour Migration.

Des Donnelly, an International SOS Director for East Europe, Middle East & Africa, said:

“International labour mobility plays a growing role for economic growth, competitiveness and development. This topic is increasingly important as new markets open up and others face significant domestic change and environmental uncertainty. In addition to the standard travel health considerations related to a mobile workforce, the recent spate of emerging infectious disease outbreaks, such as Ebola and MERS-CoV, has elevated the issue of medical and security best practice in the region and globally. With the IOE, we can provide expertise to these types of issues on a local level, while representing the worldwide business community in international labour and social policy forums.”

Learn more about the First Annual Global Employers’ Summit at http://www.employerssummit.com/.