The situation
The Special Pass has been discontinued. Foreign nationals can instead use the Entry Permit Class G2 (G2) work permit.
A closer look
- Special Pass. The Special Pass has been the main form of work authorization for foreign employees on short-term work assignments in Uganda covering stays of up to six months.
- Discontinuation. The government is currently rejecting Special Pass applications and, instead, asking applicants to apply for a six-month G2 work permit.
- Replacement. According to an informal directive from the Ugandan Commissioner of Immigration, the G2 work permit serves the same purpose as the Special Pass and costs a non-refundable USD 800, which must be paid prior to the submission of the application.
Impact for employers and foreign nationals
It may take longer for foreign nationals to obtain short term work permits to Uganda as the process and requirements for the G2 work permit are more complex than those of the Special Pass.
Looking ahead
Fragomen will continue monitoring the situation and will revert with additional information as developments occur.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.
Video
Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.
Video
Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.
Advisory services
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected.
Media mentions
Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.
Immigration analysis
Manager Konstantin Schmid provides a practical overview of Swiss citizenship routes, eligibility rules and common reasons applications are delayed or refused.
Media mentions
Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses how recent changes to Italy’s citizenship rules are affecting applicants with Italian ancestry.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Video
In this episode of the Fragomen FC, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Jake Paul Minster, Manager Gustavo Kanashiro and Manager Sergio Flores discuss how immigration systems across the Americas shape football mobility, compliance and cross-border movement throughout South America.
Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.
Video
Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.
Video
Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.
Advisory services
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected.
Media mentions
Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.
Immigration analysis
Manager Konstantin Schmid provides a practical overview of Swiss citizenship routes, eligibility rules and common reasons applications are delayed or refused.
Media mentions
Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses how recent changes to Italy’s citizenship rules are affecting applicants with Italian ancestry.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Video
In this episode of the Fragomen FC, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Jake Paul Minster, Manager Gustavo Kanashiro and Manager Sergio Flores discuss how immigration systems across the Americas shape football mobility, compliance and cross-border movement throughout South America.