Africa
Key trends shaping Africa's labor and immigration landscape
Continued shift toward managed and digitalized mobility frameworks
Governments across the region continue to modernize entry systems through greater use of digital processing and pre-travel authorization mechanisms. Ghana's introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa requirements, alongside the discontinuation of its visa-on-arrival framework, reflects a broader move towards pre-arrival screening and more structured management of traveler admissions. Nigeria's expansion of digital business travel options through its multiple-entry Business e-Visa further supports this trend.
These developments indicate a growing focus on balancing mobility facilitation with enhanced oversight, requiring employers to place greater emphasis on advance travel planning and compliance with evolving entry requirements.
Public health considerations driving targeted mobility restrictions
The Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa prompted several governments to implement targeted entry restrictions, quarantine requirements, and transport controls. Mauritius, Rwanda, and Uganda introduced measures aimed at limiting cross-border transmission risks, including entry bans, mandatory quarantine requirements, transport suspensions, and enhanced border screening measures.
While these measures remain targeted in scope, they demonstrate the continued ability of governments to introduce rapid mobility restrictions in response to emerging public health concerns, with potential implications for regional travel, workforce deployment, and business continuity planning.
Ongoing efforts to facilitate regional business mobility and connectivity
Alongside targeted restrictions, several jurisdictions continued to pursue measures aimed at supporting business travel and regional connectivity. Nigeria's introduction of visa-free access for Rwandan nationals and the expansion of multiple-entry business travel options reflect ongoing efforts to reduce mobility barriers for selected traveler populations while maintaining broader immigration controls.
These measures align with wider regional objectives to promote investment, commercial activity, and cross-border engagement, even as governments retain flexibility to respond to health and security risks where necessary.
Ghana
Ghana implemented significant immigration reforms effective May 25, 2026, introducing new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa requirements while discontinuing its visa-on-arrival framework. The changes replace a largely visa-free and visa-on-arrival approach with a digital pre-travel authorization system for affected travelers.
The reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital immigration processing and enhanced pre-arrival screening. Employers may need to account for additional pre-travel planning requirements when arranging business travel to Ghana.
Mauritius
Mauritius introduced temporary Ebola-related entry restrictions affecting business and tourist travelers who, during the 21 days prior to June 9, 2026, traveled to or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda. Most affected travelers are prohibited from entering Mauritius.
While exemptions apply to Mauritian nationals, permanent residents, work permit holders, study permit holders, and spouses of Mauritian nationals, affected individuals are subject to a mandatory 21-day quarantine upon arrival. These measures demonstrate how public health considerations can continue to affect cross-border mobility and travel planning.
Rwanda
Rwanda suspended entry for travelers who have traveled to or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the 30 days prior to traveling to Rwanda. Rwandan nationals and permanent residents remain eligible to enter but are subject to mandatory quarantine requirements.
The measures reflect a targeted response to regional public health concerns and may affect travel planning and workforce mobility involving the affected jurisdictions.
Uganda
The Ugandan Ministry of Health suspended all flights to and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and temporarily halted cross-border passenger transportation, including ferry services on the Semliki River, cross-border bus transport, and public transportation between the two countries until further notice. Authorities also enhanced screening and testing measures along the border and restricted movement from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to designated official border crossing points for essential travel only.
These measures represent a significant public health response to the Ebola outbreak and may affect regional mobility, business travel, and cross-border operations involving the affected corridor.
Nigeria
Nigeria implemented a 30-day visa-free entry arrangement for holders of valid Rwandan passports, facilitating short-term travel for business meetings, conferences, and tourism. The arrangement does not permit employment, long-term residence, or study.
Separately, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced a multiple-entry Business e-Visa. The new visa allows eligible business travelers to make multiple visits, with each stay generally limited to 30 days, and forms part of the broader Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 aimed at facilitating business travel while maintaining immigration controls.
Together, these developments support business mobility and regional connectivity while maintaining restrictions on employment and long-term residence.
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Itang Amissine
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Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager