Ghana: Proposed Changes to Require Applicants' Presence in Ghana Prior to Applying for a Work Permit
March 3, 2023
The Ghana Immigration Service has proposed a new rule that would require foreign nationals to be in Ghana to submit a work permit application (except for in-quota work permit applications). Under the proposed changes, applicants would need to enter Ghana with an approved entry visa, submit their work permit application using their original passport including the work permit fee in person (the passport would be returned to the applicant on the same day) at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and lastly, would need to undergo a medical assessment and pay the related fees at the GIS Medical Centre. Foreign nationals would not be able to start working until the work permit has been processed and approved, which can take up to six weeks. Currently, foreign nationals can apply for a work permit from outside Ghana, undergo a medical assessment after the approval of their work permit, and start work after that. Employers should take note of the proposed changes that may result in longer adjudication times for application outcomes. We will monitor and report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europeβs new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UKβs immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomenβs Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its βVoice of the Industryβ Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Polandβs tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerceβs related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the βBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Providerβ EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys MacβOlale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continentβs economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana MartΓnez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europeβs new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UKβs immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomenβs Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its βVoice of the Industryβ Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Polandβs tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerceβs related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the βBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Providerβ EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys MacβOlale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continentβs economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana MartΓnez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.