Africa
Key trends shaping Africa's labor and immigration landscape
Modernization and digitization
Nigeria
Nigeria is set to launch its electronic visa (e-Visa) system starting May 1, 2025, simplifying the visa application process for tourists, business professionals, and foreign investors. This system will eliminate the need to visit embassies or consulates, thus speeding up processing times and enhancing efficiency. In addition, Nigeria will enhance its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy by April 2025, facilitating a more stringent pre-arrival screening process that includes background checks through Interpol, criminal record systems, and other security databases.
Travel restrictions
Republic of Niger
The Republic of Niger has begun enforcing stricter immigration controls for Nigerians traveling with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passport, now requiring a valid international passport for entry. This follows Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS and the implementation of stricter controls at key border crossings like Illela (Nigeria) and Konni (Niger).
Policy updates
Nigeria
Nigeria is implementing the Expatriate Administrative System (EAS), set to launch on May 1, 2025, with a grace period until July 31, 2025, for companies to regularize their records. The EAS aims to streamline communication and coordination between the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), ensuring accurate records of permit applications and addressing the financial burden of repatriating expatriates who violate the law. Strict enforcement of this new system will begin on August 1, 2025.
South Africa
In South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs has extended concessions until September 30, 2025, to address delays in processing certain visa categories and outcomes, despite progress in clearing backlogs. Efforts are underway to digitize the Immigration Department to reduce corruption and improve certainty for foreign nationals and employers, with a focus on the tourism sector and plans for civic and visa processes. Permanent Residents will also transition to a smart identity card system to enhance compliance and ease of residence.
Kenya
In Kenya, a new security clearance requirement for work permit applications mandates that applicants provide their residential address and phone contact details from their home or host country. This has led to delays of 3-4 months, compared to the previous 2-6 week processing time, as security agencies verify information with the applicant's home country.
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Itang Amissine
Manager
Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager