Joombaah A Complete Guide to Zambia’s Employment Permit
A Complete Guide to Zambia\u2019s Employment Permit

Permit Information

  • PERMIT_POSTED_BY: admin
  • PERMIT_POSTED_ON: Nov 21, 2024
  • Views : 114
  • Category : Africa » Southern Africa » Zambia
  • Description : Understand the requirements, application process, and obligations for obtaining and maintaining an Employment Permit in Zambia, tailored for foreign nationals working in the country for periods exceeding six months.
  • Phone : +260 211 255282
  • Email : pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
  • Website : https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/for-residents/#1549984416491-503fdc57-fde6

Overview

  • A Complete Guide to Zambia’s Employment Permit


    Introduction
    Zambia’s Employment Permit is essential for foreigners intending to work in Zambia for more than six months. This permit allows the holder to enter, re-enter, and stay in Zambia, provided they adhere to the terms outlined in the permit. It can be extended for up to 10 years, with specific obligations for both the permit holder and their employer.

    Who Needs an Employment Permit?
    An Employment Permit is issued to:

    1. Foreigners employed by the Government of Zambia or a statutory body.
    2. Foreigners working in the private sector, NGOs, or religious organizations, including volunteers.
    3. Spouses and children (over 21 years) of foreign nationals employed in a family business.

    Key Notes

    • Applicants must remain outside Zambia until the permit is approved.
    • Applications can only be submitted by an employer, a practicing lawyer, or an immigration consultant.
    • First-time applicants requiring a visa must apply for one to collect the approved permit upon entry into Zambia.

    Application Requirements

    For a New Application
    Applicants must submit:

    • Covering Letter: From the employer addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
    • Employment Contract or Offer Letter.
    • Police Clearance: From the country of residence.
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
    • Professional Registration Certificate: From the relevant Zambian body (if required).
    • Certified Qualifications: Academic and professional.
    • Personal Documents: Marriage and birth certificates (if applicable).
    • Valid Passport: Certified copy (bio-data page and last endorsement stamp for Zambia).
    • Company Documents:
      • Certified Certificate of Share Capital and List of Directors.
      • Certificate of Incorporation.
    • Succession Plan: Including an understudy training program for knowledge transfer to Zambian workers.
    • Sector-Specific Documents: For construction, mining, ICT, or engineering projects, a covering letter specifying the project, completion date, and project value.
    • Press Advertisements: Two leading newspaper ads with outcomes of the selection exercise.
    • Passport-Sized Photograph: One recent.
    • Prescribed Fee.

    For Renewal/Extension

    • Covering letter from the employer.
    • Extended employment contract.
    • Certified copy of valid passport.
    • Prescribed fee.

    For Variations (e.g., Adding Dependents or Changing Employer/Occupation)
    Specific requirements vary depending on the requested change but generally include:

    • Covering letter.
    • Supporting documents for the change (e.g., new appointment letter or marriage certificate).
    • Certified professional certificates (if applicable).
    • Prescribed fee.

    Obligations of the Permit Holder

    1. Compliance: The holder must adhere to the permit conditions, including employment location and role.
    2. Restrictions:
      • Cannot buy land.
      • Cannot enroll in educational institutions in Zambia.

    Obligations of the Employer

    Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance, including:

    1. Verifying the legal status of foreign employees.
    2. Surrendering the permit within one month of termination, resignation, or dismissal.
    3. Covering repatriation costs for terminated foreign employees.
    4. Maintaining records of foreign employment for two years post-termination.
    5. Reporting any breach of permit conditions to the Department of Immigration.

    Joombaah’s Expertise

    Navigating the Employment Permit process in Zambia can be complex, but Joombaah is here to help. From preparing application documents to ensuring compliance, we provide tailored solutions for individuals and employers. Contact us today for expert assistance!