Responsibility depends on the nature and length of the assignment, and it varies a lot from country to country.
As a general rule, the independent contractor is responsible for their own right to work, visa and permit position, tax position, and personal compliance, unless something different has been expressly agreed.
For longer or more permanent placements, the client, for example the yacht, chalet or villa owner or operator, often has to organise the right-to-work or employment side. For yachts in particular it can vary: a privately used yacht and a yacht registered for commercial charter are treated differently, and the position is driven mainly by the yacht's flag state. Check the requirements of the specific flag and jurisdiction for the assignment.
What is Quarterdeck's role?
Quarterdeck may help coordinate certain compliance items where expressly agreed, but Quarterdeck is a UK-based company and is not a local immigration, visa or work-permit provider. Where relevant, Quarterdeck will usually prioritise contractors who are resident in, or already hold the right to work in, the destination.
Who handles travel and accommodation?
Travel and accommodation are generally the hiring party's responsibility unless Quarterdeck has expressly agreed in writing to arrange them. Make sure the arrangements suit the assignment and are disclosed in advance.
What does local compliance include?
It can include permits, licences, registrations, insurance, health-and-safety and safeguarding requirements, and any local authorisations the assignment needs, including, for yachts, whatever the flag state and the yacht's commercial or private status require. Each party is responsible for the obligations that fall on it under local law and the terms of the assignment.
In summary
The independent contractor is generally responsible for their own right-to-work status. The hiring party is responsible for client-side arrangements and local requirements, and for longer placements often for organising work authorisation, especially on yachts, where the flag state and commercial-versus-private status govern. Quarterdeck does not take responsibility for visas, work permits, travel, accommodation or local compliance unless expressly agreed in writing.