Elections and Expatriate Populations: How Companies Should Prepare for Impact

Major elections are slated in several African countries between 2023 and 2024, including in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Liberia, South Sudan, Sierra Leone and Libya. Understanding the impact of these elections, both before and after they occur, will enable companies to proactively prepare for any eventuality.

This blog outlines the variety of considerations companies must make to ensure that they are prepared to manage their expatriate population during an election season.

Lengthy processing times

Key government officials in several African countries who approve migrant applications are also political figures. This tends to have an impact on the processing time of applications submitted as elections approach. Authority to adjudicate permit applications is usually not delegated, and, as a result, applications may take longer to finalise without the signatory being present. Whenever possible, applications must be submitted in advance to avoid these delays.

Introduction of stringent rules

The topic of localisation is frequently discussed during election periods due to the high unemployment rate across African countries. If stringent localisation laws are imposed, it becomes difficult to move critical talent into certain jurisdictions in the months leading up to elections.

Additionally, we often see a high rate of rejections as companies struggle to meet the new, stringent requirements, or as government officials start applying policies that have not been implemented. It is important to engage with experienced immigration providers who will help your company navigate these challenges, and to interface with the authorities for either a concession or a reversal of decision. Companies must also proactively comply with existing localisation laws to avoid future repercussions when the laws become enforceable.

Potential unrest

Like in many democracies around the world, election results in Sub-Saharan Africa are generally highly contested, which can result in potential unrest. These unrests have taken the form of protest actions and, in some instances, led to a state of emergency being declared with curfews imposed.

It is imperative that companies with expatriates who are in a country during an election period consider an evacuation strategy for their employees should a time of unrest arise from election results. As government services often cease during unrest, it is equally important for companies to account for their expatriate population by ensuring that their visas are valid, and that they are always in possession of their travel documents.

Engaging with an experienced immigration provider will assist companies in navigating these circumstances should the unfortunate event of unrest occur. Companies must ensure that their employees know who to contact in case of an emergency.

Change in administration

Elections may bring about a change in administration, which could ultimately impact previously held relationships, agreements or concessions.  As a new administration may bring about new policies, we encourage companies to maintain sustainable government relations to ensure continuity in case of changes in power. Fragomen Africa has a government strategies team that will support companies in navigating these changes. 

Crisis Management and Audit

At Fragomen, we encourage clients to have a crisis management policy in place which will assist with proactively addressing potential issues and provide a framework for employees to follow in case of a crisis. We also encourage companies to conduct an audit of their expatriate population across the globe, including short term business travellers who are often overlooked. The audit will be able to provide a clear picture of the numbers, host locations and immigration status, and assist in identifying gaps in the company’s processes and systems to promote a culture of compliance to be resilient in changing times. Additionally, Fragomen can assist companies with tracking of their populations, as well as expiry of permit and visas around the world.

Need to know more?

In a highly competitive global talent arena, the impact of elections on expatriate populations is serious. For further information on this topic or to seek recommendations for the upcoming election period, please contact Senior Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa at [email protected].

This blog was published on 3 March 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.