The best way to retain expatriates when their assignment ends is to:

High expatriate turnover upon repatriation is a significant problem for MNEs. The most effective retention strategy is a holistic and strategic one that integrates the entire expatriate life cycle. This means that repatriation planning begins during the initial selection process. By aligning selection criteria, performance goals during the assignment, and a clear, pre-defined post-assignment career path, the organization manages expectations and demonstrates the value of the international experience to the employee's long-term career. This strategic integration prevents the common feeling of being "out of sight, out of mind" and ensures a smooth transition back into a meaningful role.

B. This is financially unsustainable and creates pay equity issues within the home country's workforce.
C. This is a useful feedback tool but is not a comprehensive strategy for ensuring a future career path, which is the primary driver of retention.
D. This is a temporary fix that can leave the expatriate feeling like they are in a holding pattern without a clear long-term role.

1. Dowling, P. J., Festing, M., & Engle, A. D., Sr. (2017). International Human Resource Management (7th ed.). Cengage Learning. Chapter 5, "International performance management," and Chapter 6, "International training, development, and careers," discuss the necessity of linking the assignment to long-term career paths (pp. 168-170, 199-202).

2. Stahl, G. K., & Cerdin, J. L. (2004). Global careers in French and German multinational corporations. Journal of Management Development, 23(9), 885-902. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710410558523. This study highlights the importance of career planning for repatriate retention.

3. Lazarova, M., & Cerdin, J. L. (2007). Revisiting the career anchor model: A call for theoretical expansion. Human Resource Development Review, 6(4), 374-400. The article implicitly supports an integrated approach by discussing how international assignments must align with career anchors to be successful long-term.