05 July 2022

5 Pieces of Advice on African Corporate Immigration

Submitted by: Simon Carletti

Written by: Andreas Krensel, CEO, IBN Immigration Solutions
Edited by: Lauren Daniels, IBN Immigration Solutions

Context

Multinationals need to send corporate assignees to Africa as part of mobility programmes but the immigration processes involved can be complex and often challenging. Andreas Krensel, CEO of IBN Immigration Solutions, provides five pieces of invaluable advice for navigating corporate mobility into Africa.

Introduction

Corporate immigration is a complex process. Successfully planning for and implementing corporate immigration in Africa can be particularly challenging. The continent’s historical conflicts, economic equalities, infrastructure challenges and cultural and linguistic diversity can present additional obstacles for international corporate mobility managers. Despite this, Africa is an attractive corporate immigration destination, due to its abundant natural and primary energy resources, thriving agricultural sectors and more recently, increased technological development.

Challenges and Advice

1:  Corporations often leave immigration administration to the last minute. 

Many African countries struggle with visa processing delays. This, combined with compliance checks, professional body certifications and identifying local understudies can contribute to unpredictable lead times.

Plan the immigration aspect of your mobility policy and identify potential assignees at least six months in advance to avoid delays and possible rejection.

2: During the planning phase, keep in mind that most African countries require local employment.

Corporates who don’t have local branches in Africa can make use of an Employer of Record company but this involves taxation and compliance issues that need to be considered.

3: Access to reliable, updated information on African immigration policies is limited and often outdated. 

Executing an effective global mobility policy requires that corporations develop a thorough understanding of immigration law, international employment laws and bilateral tax agreements.

If your corporation does not have the experience or knowledge described here, collaborate with a firm that has knowledge of the African immigration framework and a high case volume linked to a high success rate.

4: Communicating with African immigration authorities can be difficult. 

Choose an immigration partner that prioritises fast, comprehensive communication and has developed a strong vendor network.

5: Many African countries do not recognise life partnerships or same-sex couples. 

Your assignee’s spouse may not be eligible for an accompanying spousal visa if they are not legally married or in a same-sex relationship. Research this thoroughly and take this into account when planning and communicating your assignee’s corporate immigration journey.

While corporate immigration into Africa may seem daunting, choosing a leading local immigration partner can ease the burden for international corporates considerably.

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About Andreas Krensel LLM, IP (SA)

Andreas Krensel is a registered Immigration Practitioner and qualified German attorney. He holds dual citizenship and has spent the last 18 years in South Africa advising large multinationals as well as private customers on immigration into South Africa and the rest of Africa. He is a well-known expert on African corporate immigration, a regular speaker at international conferences as well as the author of two books on the topic of African corporate immigration. 

About IBN Immigration Solutions

IBN Immigration Solutions is a multiple award-winning boutique immigration firm providing specialist immigration services for African countries, as well as some international markets. Our vision is to enable talent to work and live within Africa and contribute to developing this energetic and fascinating continent and its people. We believe in making Africa a better place and complying with international laws.   

Contact Us

www.ibn.co.za

If you would like more information on this topic or immigration in general or would like to arrange interviews or quotes, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Read more at https://www.ibn.co.za/blog-and-news/advice-corporate-immigration/

IBN Immigration Solutions

IBN Immigration Solutions is a multiple award-winning boutique immigration company providing specialist immigration services for African countries, as well as some international markets. Our vision is to enable talent to work and live within Africa and contribute to developing this energetic and fascinating continent and its people. We believe in making Africa a better place and complying with international laws.