I (US Citizen) took a job with a reputable organization in France that sponsored my visa. I have a spouse, kids, and 3 pets (pets alone cost $6k to relocate). We sold our belongings in the US and had all just begun to really adjust. However I was notified last week that my employer is actually getting rid of an entire segment of their business which includes my job.
My employment contract does not contain any job loss protections outside of my trial period which was 3 months, which they had originally specified verbally is standard in France and would only end if I failed to pick up on the job.
I realize I have no legal protections as it was my naiveté to not pursue additional contract language regarding job loss during the trial period. I just never imagined this.
I’ve applied to over 50 jobs in a week and have already recieved rejections for most, as most employers won’t sponsor visas for whatever reason.
Not sure the purpose of the post but to say that when relocating, please protect yourself and truly realize how much you’re putting on the line by accepting a job abroad. My husband has not found work either in France so we’re at the point of having to go back to the US, pay all of the travel costs to do so, and have nothing there for us.
Sorry this happened to you, however while EU employment laws are strong, the trial period is non negotiable in 90% of the cases. It’s one of the reasons why the subsequent inability to fire people on spot exists. Anyhow depending on your language situation, France will be hard market as hiring there requires proving you can’t hire a local French person for the position and hiring non locals also costs some extra. If either of positions you’d pursue are in tech, look up companies with HQs elsewhere and an office in France, they are more open minded.