The unspoken elephant in the room

Andre, thank you for raising this so honestly—it's an important discussion!

I completely understand the frustration behind your message. While many of us in HR genuinely want to support fellow professionals, the reality is that hiring decisions and visa sponsorships are often governed by strict organizational policies, budgets, and leadership approvals. In most cases, individuals may not have the authority to directly create roles or initiate sponsorship, even with the best intentions.

That said, support can still come in meaningful ways—through referrals, sharing opportunities, offering guidance on local market practices, or even advocating internally where possible. These actions may seem small, but they can sometimes open the right doors.

Your point about “going out on a limb” is valid, and I believe many would if circumstances allowed. Perhaps as a community, we can continue to strengthen how we support one another—within the boundaries we operate in—while still being transparent and empathetic.

Wishing you the very best in your search, and I hope the right opportunity comes your way soon.

Andre said:

When people like myself post about the difficulties in getting jobs or visas, can most members here offer advice but not actually solve in practice for a fellow HR professional?

Layla has been very nice in her response. I will be less so.

No, we can not do that, for a variety of reasons. The first is that this wouldn't be good hiring practice. If we had a vacancy, we would advertise it. If we advertise it, you need to apply for it. If you are our preferred candidate and all other conditions required for sponsorship are met, then and only then would be talk about sponsorship. You don't get a free ride because you posted on a forum. An HR professional should understand that this is good practice and our job, here both at the CIPD and in this community, is to discuss and promote good practice.

Second, if we did do that, for sponsorship or otherwise, this forum would quickly become a morass of "gizza job!" posts. It's the same reason we don't answer questions that sound suspiciously like assignments.

Most members can provide guidance, advice, or referrals, but very few have the authority to directly create job opportunities or sponsor visas. Organizational policies, legal requirements, and formal procedures usually govern these actions. Support is often offered through referrals, advocacy, or practical advice rather than direct placement.

Hi Andre,

I know many people would genuinely love to be able help and support others in this way, but it isn’t that simple anymore as Layla mentions.  While that approach may have existed a long time ago, the reality now is that recruitment processes have changed and the process needs to be fair and follow best practice as Robey mentions.

In terms of the community, and members taking steps to explore jobs for others, sharing jobs or people requesting jobs, this isn’t what this space is here for, and it would become commercial very quickly. The purpose of this community is to support one another through these challenges by sharing experiences, offering guidance, signposting and moral support.

On your previous posts, members have kindly shared some great insight, signposting and guidance on other channels you could consider which may help shape a plan of action for you.