It does seem an odd way to treat a 'valued asset'; to promote them into a position that is critical to the well being of the company, both as ambassador & safety, then deliberately test their stamina by disrupting their family life. True, it might be necessary due to no local vacancies, but to do it because 'that is the way it is', and even in another country that will reduce your rest time due to committing seems to send the wrong message about the company's opinion of your worth.
All that stuff we get pumped into us every 6 months about team work and creating a positive atmosphere does not seem relevant on the ground when 'mission control' is pulling the strings. Sad.