Africa
Key trends shaping Africa's labor and immigration landscape
Visa policy changes and regional mobility
Efforts to promote regional integration and streamline travel continue to shape visa policy reforms across the continent.
Tanzania
Tanzania has introduced visa-free entry for Angolan nationals for tourism purposes, allowing up to 90 days’ stay per calendar year without a prior visa. This aligns with a broader regional trend toward reciprocal arrangements within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has revoked its longstanding visa-free policy for Zimbabwean nationals, replacing it with a USD 50 visa fee and stricter entry conditions. This marks a shift away from legacy bilateral agreements in sectors such as mining and transport.
Digitalization and border control reform
Digital systems for border management and visa applications are gaining ground in several jurisdictions.
Liberia
Liberia has implemented a new Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) system, allowing eligible travelers to apply online before departure and receive approval upon arrival. The visa is valid for single entry and 30 days’ stay. While ECOWAS nationals remain exempt under existing arrangements, citizens of countries without diplomatic representation in Liberia must apply through embassies.
Nigeria
Nigeria has launched a digital landing card system for all travelers entering or exiting the country, aimed at improving immigration tracking and reducing overstays. From May 2025, overstay penalties have been formalized (ranging from 5 to 10 years’ bans), with a grace period for regularization in place until August.
Increased compliance and expatriate restrictions
Nigeria
New compliance rules in Nigeria will impact companies employing foreign nationals.
Employers must now obtain insurance to cover repatriation costs, and stricter criteria have been introduced for those hiring expatriates—including the requirement to employ at least two qualified Nigerian understudies per foreign hire.
The Nigerian government also plans to enforce quotas and raise fees for expatriate quotas, reinforcing localization priorities and workforce development goals.
National labour policy reform
South Africa
South Africa has finalized its National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP), which introduces quotas on the employment of foreign nationals across several sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and construction. The policy also restricts foreign hiring in smaller enterprises and aims to protect local employment while maintaining competitiveness in key industries.
Expanded visa exemptions
Kenya
Kenya has issued Gazette Notice No. 75, significantly expanding exemptions under its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regime.
Citizens from East African Partner States (e.g., Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan) can now stay visa-free for up to 90 days.
Additionally, nationals from over 60 countries—including Barbados, Botswana, Ghana, Malaysia, and Seychelles—are now exempt from eTA requirements if their visit does not exceed 60 days. These reforms reflect Kenya’s strategic efforts to position itself as a regional travel and business hub.
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Itang Amissine
Manager
Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager