Business Permits
Foreign nationals establishing a trade, business, or profession in Nigeria must first obtain a business permit from the Minister of Interior (MOI), usually granted for 90 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension. As the business permit does not include residence authorization, most foreign nationals then apply for a residence permit in-country. The new regulations now clarify that even upon obtaining residence authorization, business permits must still be renewed. While past practice was often to forgo renewing the business permit once a residence permit was issued, the regulations now include penalties for failing to renew business permits.
Work Permits
The new regulations now provide a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) which is a single-entry work authorization, valid for two to three months, with a possible 30-day extension available in-country. Significant penalties also now apply for failing to obtain requisite extensions. Note that this TWP is granted outside the current expatriate quota levels which apply only to more long-term work permits.
For longer work assignments, companies must apply for a work permit under the expatriate quota through the MOI. In a significant improvement in that stream, foreign nationals may now request a “stay of action” letter which allows them to remain in-country pending an expatriate quota renewal and issuance of a renewed work permit, if the initial expatriate quota work permit expires.
Residence Permits
The new regulations have also further defined the rules and processes for residence permits. The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (CGI) has been tasked with administration of all residence authorizations. The regulations now clarify that residence permits may be granted for stays up to two years. Also of significant benefit to companies and their foreign employees, the regulations now expressly provide that foreign nationals who have pending residence permit applications may travel internationally and re-enter Nigeria during the first 90 days from their original entry.
Investors Visa
The new regulations also call for a new long-term Investment Visa which gives the holder permanent residence status. However, the regulations do not yet formally contain the details of the minimum investment threshold, permissible form of investment, or length of investment.
Visas on Arrival
As Pro-Link GLOBAL reported previously, Nigeria recently greatly expanded its visa-on-arrival scheme to accommodate business travelers from nations with no Nigerian overseas consular post. The new regulations now take that scheme one step further by opening the visa-on-arrival option to all foreign nationals, regardless of their country of residence. However, note that the “visa on arrival approval letter” obtained by an in-country sponsor must still be in hand when the foreign national arrives and requests the visa-on-arrival at his/her port of entry.
Registration Requirements
The new regulations also call for the establishment of a new nation-wide register of foreign nationals in Nigeria. Once implemented, all foreign nationals obtaining residence permits will be required to register their residences at the NIS office in the state where they reside and make subsequent updates to their registration whenever they change their residence. Landlords and owners of hotels, boarding houses, and other lodging accommodations will be required to maintain records of their foreign guests, including names, addresses, occupations, passport information, and arrival and departure dates.
Source
How will the cabinet reshuffle affect SA’s travel and tourism industry?
According to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the appointment of new cabinet ministers in Tourism, Transport, Home Affairs and Finance, present mixed fortunes for the travel and tourism industry. Having two female leaders at the helm of South Africa’s travel and tourism public sectors sets a new precedent for women empowerment in the industry says the TBCSA, however, adding its voice to the broader business community, it laments the uncertain political ramifications of the cabinet reshuffle on the economy.
“First and foremost, we congratulate Tokozile Xasa on her appointment as the country’s first female Minister of Tourism,” says TBCSA CEO, Mmatšatši Ramawela. “Xasa has served as Deputy Minister of Tourism since 2009 and is thus familiar with the dynamics and issues in the sector. During her tenure as deputy minister, she amassed the necessary knowledge and experience which should stand her in good stead in her new role.” We further extend a warm welcome to the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Tourism Elizabeth Thabethe.”
Concern over impact of changes in other ministerial portfolios
The council says Xasa’s appointment will provide a level of continuity for the travel and tourism industry. It has, however, highlighted that it was unclear how changes in other ministerial portfolios – particularly at National Treasury and the departments of Home Affairs and Transport – will impact the industry. “There is anxiety that the reshuffle is likely to impact engagements and programmes that are already underway in collaboration with different role-players within government,” says Ramawela.
For instance, the airline sector, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, is preparing to host an Aviation Indaba which will determine, amongst other matters, South Africa’s readiness to implement the ‘open skies’ policy. Then there are the VAT issues that are of particular concern to tour operators and travel agents and involve the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the National Treasury.
When it comes to Home Affairs, TBCSA is yet to hear the decision of the Immigrations Advisory Board (IAB) on the amendment of the regulation for travelling minors – a matter that will now be handled under the leadership of the new Minister of Home Affairs, Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize. “Of course, the biggest anxiety element is the possibility of a credit downgrade for the country if the reshuffle brings negativity into the economy and instability in the society.”
Source
S&P downgrades South Africa’s credit rating to ‘junk’
As Jacob Zuma faces backlash over the sacking of ex-finance minister Pravin Gordhan, agency cuts country’s rating grade.
Credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has downgraded South Africa’s rating to junk status, as the country’s currency continued to slide following a major cabinet reshuffle.
In an unscheduled review that prompted a sell-off in South African assets, S&P on Monday cited the impact of divisions in the government of President Jacob Zuma that led to leadership changes, including the departure of former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
“This has increased the likelihood that economic growth and fiscal outcomes could suffer,” said S&P, which cut its rating by one notch to BB+ – its highest non-investment grade mark – and also assigned Africa’s most industrialised economy a negative outlook.
The rand, which has fallen three percent against the US dollar since the Friday night shake-up, tumbled further after the downgrade.
S&P also said that “political risks will remain elevated this year, and that policy shifts are likely, which could undermine fiscal and economic growth”.
Following S&P’s announcement, South Africa’s Treasury expressed its commitment to a responsible fiscal path.
“South Africa is committed to a predictable and consistent policy framework, which responds to changing circumstances in a measured and transparent fashion,” it said in statement.
Moody’s, another ratings agency which has South Africa two notches above “junk” status, is expected to deliver a review on Friday.
Source
Frasers Hospitality Expands Business In Africa, Middle East
For the first time also, Frasers will expand into Saudi Arabia with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. This is in tune with the development of Jeddah Economic City and the government’s plan to expand the Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport. Because of this, inbound tourism is set to increase 6.1 percent per annum by 2020.
Meanwhile, new properties in Congo and Nigeria will mark Frasers Hospitality Group’s initial expansion into the African market. The growth potential of some areas in Africa is promising, thus an essential aid to the group’s growth strategy.
“The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global expansion plans. As the regions continue to emerge as business hubs, our properties in key cities will be well positioned to cater to the needs of travelers,” said Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality Group, in a statement to Travelers Today.
Meanwhile, business spending in Africa is expected to grow from $2.6 trillion in 2015 to $3.5 trillion by 2025, which is likely to see an increase in business travel to the region. “We are targeting key business centers such as Nigeria’s capital Abuja and Africa’s largest city, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the region in the coming years.”
Source
NIGERIA | Major Revision to Modernize Corporate Immigration Process
Business Permits
Foreign nationals establishing a trade, business, or profession in Nigeria must first obtain a business permit from the Minister of Interior (MOI), usually granted for 90 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension. As the business permit does not include residence authorization, most foreign nationals then apply for a residence permit in-country. The new regulations now clarify that even upon obtaining residence authorization, business permits must still be renewed. While past practice was often to forgo renewing the business permit once a residence permit was issued, the regulations now include penalties for failing to renew business permits.
Work Permits
The new regulations now provide a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) which is a single-entry work authorization, valid for two to three months, with a possible 30-day extension available in-country. Significant penalties also now apply for failing to obtain requisite extensions. Note that this TWP is granted outside the current expatriate quota levels which apply only to more long-term work permits.
For longer work assignments, companies must apply for a work permit under the expatriate quota through the MOI. In a significant improvement in that stream, foreign nationals may now request a “stay of action” letter which allows them to remain in-country pending an expatriate quota renewal and issuance of a renewed work permit, if the initial expatriate quota work permit expires.
Residence Permits
The new regulations have also further defined the rules and processes for residence permits. The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (CGI) has been tasked with administration of all residence authorizations. The regulations now clarify that residence permits may be granted for stays up to two years. Also of significant benefit to companies and their foreign employees, the regulations now expressly provide that foreign nationals who have pending residence permit applications may travel internationally and re-enter Nigeria during the first 90 days from their original entry.
Investors Visa
The new regulations also call for a new long-term Investment Visa which gives the holder permanent residence status. However, the regulations do not yet formally contain the details of the minimum investment threshold, permissible form of investment, or length of investment.
Visas on Arrival
As Pro-Link GLOBAL reported previously, Nigeria recently greatly expanded its visa-on-arrival scheme to accommodate business travelers from nations with no Nigerian overseas consular post. The new regulations now take that scheme one step further by opening the visa-on-arrival option to all foreign nationals, regardless of their country of residence. However, note that the “visa on arrival approval letter” obtained by an in-country sponsor must still be in hand when the foreign national arrives and requests the visa-on-arrival at his/her port of entry.
Registration Requirements
The new regulations also call for the establishment of a new nation-wide register of foreign nationals in Nigeria. Once implemented, all foreign nationals obtaining residence permits will be required to register their residences at the NIS office in the state where they reside and make subsequent updates to their registration whenever they change their residence. Landlords and owners of hotels, boarding houses, and other lodging accommodations will be required to maintain records of their foreign guests, including names, addresses, occupations, passport information, and arrival and departure dates.
Source