
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
By: Stacey Isaacs
After months of lockdown restrictions, travel bans and international mobility coming to a complete stop, many Sub-Saharan African countries like Namibia, Kenya, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire are beginning to re-open their borders and prepare for the arrival of foreign nationals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has given us a renewed look at the way immigration processes are being managed in Africa. This will generate some thought by governments across the continent and will bring about much needed changes in the way Sub-Saharan countries and relevant immigration authorities will embrace this “new norm.” We anticipate that more online resources and methods will be used to apply and obtain visas and that stringent health checks will be implemented. This, of course, will not occur overnight, however we are certain that this thought process has already begun.
As heads of state make decisions about the re-opening of their borders, employers and companies should also start thinking about how these decisions will impact their respective strategies and approaches to international workforce and company remobilisation plans.
New regulations
Business continuity, compliance with new immigration regulations, heath screening and additional immigration administrative processes are just a few aspects that have become the centre of the evolution of the immigration landscape during COVID-19. Thus, it is of utmost importance that companies and employers review and align their approaches to immigration to these new guidelines and regulations to remobilise their workforce.
A strong remobilisation plan is key to ensure work readiness and avoid delays and further financial losses when getting employees to various locations.
At Fragomen we have already started assisting a number of companies and guiding them through this process by auditing and reviewing their mobilisation plans to ensure compliance, confirming that their plans are fit for their purposes and continuously providing updates on current and ongoing changes to each country’s immigration regulations.
We have a remobilisation guide for employers to assist them with planning travel in and out of Sub-Saharan Africa. It gives insight into the processes, health screening requirements and immigration regulations of countries in the region. To obtain a free copy of this guide, please click here.
Should you wish to discuss any mobility or immigration related matters for Sub-Saharan Africa, please reach out to Stacey Isaacs by emailing [email protected] or contact your Fragomen immigration professional.
This blog was released on 15 September 2020, 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 COVID-19 microsite, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” 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 Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez 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.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” 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 Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez 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.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

