
Executive Summary
Mozambican immigration authorities have stopped issuing residence permits per a policy published in 2014, and will now start to extend work permit holders’ work visas to allow foreign nationals to work and reside in Mozambique. As a result, immigration authorities are retaining the passports of those who submit new resident permit applications, and will retain the passports of work visa extension applicants for endorsement of the work visa extension, which may affect travel plans.
The situation
New policy for work permit holders may affect travel
A closer look
Mozambican immigration authorities have stopped issuing residence permits and will now start to extend work permit holders’ work visas to allow the work permit holder to work and reside in Mozambique.
- Temporary impact. As a temporary measure while the authorities determine this policy’s details, immigration authorities are retaining the passports of those who submit new resident permit applications, which may affect travel plans.
- Permanent impact. The permanent impact of the cancellation of residence permits is that foreign nationals will need to apply for a work visa at a Mozambican consular post abroad after their in-country work permit is granted. They will then be able to apply for a work visa extension before their work visa expires. Authorities will retain the foreign national’s passport until the work visa is stamped.
Background
The cancellation of residence permits was announced in 2014. It was expected that instead of residence permits, Mozambican consular posts abroad would issue work visas to work permit applicants, which would allow foreign workers to remain in Mozambique until the end of their employment contract. However, no such regulations were implemented.
Looking ahead
Further developments are expected soon as the authorities finalize the implementation of this decree.
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
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Blog post
Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Awards
Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Media mentions
Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Video
Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Blog post
Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Awards
Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Media mentions
Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Video
Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.