Perhaps one workaround (for locals) to this whole "one week of vacation from existing job might be unfeasible" problem is to have they come in for two full work

Perhaps one workaround (for locals) to this whole "one week of vacation from existing job might be unfeasible" problem is to have they come in for two full work days on the weekend + another day or two if necessary (depending on the team's preferences). This way, they don't have to take off (as much) time from work, but can still put in the requisite time for you to get a good feel for their fit.