Employers Must Notify Government of New Business Visa Holders in Oil and Gas Sector

The situation

Following recent audits in the oil and gas sector in the Western Region of Ghana, the Ghana Immigration Service West Region published a communication requiring employers in the Western Region to report foreign nationals entering under a business visa for activities including training, short consultancy services or repair and maintenance services.

A closer look

Employers must mail a notification to the Western Regional Command. The notification must be on a templated form and must include the below information:

• Serial number;
• Name of institution;
• Name of foreign national;
• Nationality;
• Passport number;
• Date of arrival;
• Purpose of visit; and
• Date of proposed departure.

 

Impact for employers

Failure to comply with this initiative may lead to fines for the employer. Employers are advised to maintain records of foreign nationals entering Ghana in anticipation of future audits.

Impact for foreign nationals

Foreign nationals found to be entering Ghana under a business visa for these purposes may be arrested and deported.

Background

This policy follows the identification of foreign nationals entering Ghana to perform maintenance work under a business visa.

Looking ahead

Fragomen anticipates that audits and the notification requirement will be expanded to other areas and industries throughout Ghana.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].