Republic of Congo: In-Country Medical Assessment Now Required for Foreign Nationals/Assignees to Obtain Embarkation Card for Offshore Activities

Foreign nationals/assignees who hold a short- or long-term work permit to work offshore in the Republic of Congo are now required to undergo an in-country medical assessment, either in Brazzaville or Pointe Noire, by an accredited Republic of Congo Navy Merchant physician. Only after undergoing the assessment can these individuals then be issued an embarkation card and proceed to carry out their work activities offshore. Previously, these foreign nationals/assignees were required to undergo a medical assessment in their country of origin prior to traveling to the Republic of Congo. It is recommended that all foreign nationals/assignees being deployed in the Republic of Congo, after issuance of their short- or long-term work permit, notify their immigration professional upon arrival for assistance scheduling medical appointments before traveling offshore. Foreign nationals/assignees should note that this new regulation only applies to those individuals working offshore.