When you take your business to a new country, you'll count on nationals to make up your workforce. You may also want current employees to work abroad and support the company as...
Read MoreWhen you take your business to a new country, you'll count on nationals to make up your workforce. You may also want current employees to work abroad and support the company as it starts up. If you choose to take this route, your nonnational employees will need the correct visas and permits to work legally. Globalization Partners can help you stay compliant.
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When you take your business to a new country, you’ll count on nationals to make up your workforce. You may also want current employees to work abroad and support the company as it starts up. If you choose to take this route, your nonnational employees will need the correct visas and permits to work legally. Globalization Partners can help you stay compliant.
Eritrea offers various visa types based on reasons for entering the country, including:
Nonnationals wishing to enter the country for work must apply for an employment visa through their nearest consulate. They must have the visa on their person when they enter the borders. Applicants will need:
While nonnationals need employment visas to enter the borders, they also need work permits to work in the country legally. As an employer, you’re responsible for submitting the work permit application. It requires company information like your business license number and how many nationals and nonnationals you employ.
Any nonnationals you wish to hire also need to provide some key information, including their passport number, education, and any relevant experience for the position.
Nonnationals must submit the materials listed above to their nearest consulate. An Eritrea embassy or consulate will often ask applicants to send a prepaid, self-addressed envelope along with the materials above. Upon approval, the consulate will send the visa in this envelope.
The typical processing time for visa applications is 10 days, though it may take longer. Visa holders must enter the country within three months of receiving their visa. Once they’ve entered the borders, the visa is valid for one month. Nonnationals can reapply for these visas as often as they need to.
Nonnationals are not required to hold a work permit when they enter the country, but they cannot start working for an employer until they have a permit. As an employer, you can begin the application process before or after your employee enters the country as long as you have the relevant information. Employers must submit permit applications with the required materials to the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare.
Employers must renew work permits annually by reapplying 30 days before expiration. If a nonnational is a member of the African Union, they do not need a work permit.
When an employer submits an application, the Ministry may request further information. They may want to know that a citizen was not available to fill the position, and they may request proof of training programs to provide work to citizens.
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