Eswatini — formerly known as Swaziland — is a popular destination for workers from around the globe. Eswatini has a vibrant culture, varied landscape, and diverse economy. If you’re thinking of expanding your business to Eswatini, you’ll want to make sure your team has the proper documentation to live and work in this South African country.
Types of work visas in Eswatini
In Eswatini, there’s a clear distinction between visas and permits. Entry visas are granted only to short-term visitors, such as volunteers, tourists, business visitors, and interns. Any international worker wishing to remain in Eswatini to study or work will need to apply for a temporary residence permit instead.
Likewise, there’s no “working visa” in Eswatini. The proper documentation is referred to as a work permit. Furthermore, a work permit is a type of temporary residence permit in the country. Employees will need to apply for only one.
Requirements to obtain Eswatini work visas
To obtain the proper documentation to live and work in Eswatini, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- A duly completed application form
- An original certificate of police clearance from the applicant’s country of origin
- 2 passport photographs
- A medical certificate
- A cover letter from the employer in Eswatini
- Copies of the applicant’s certificates of qualification for the position, such as a diploma
- Proof that the position was advertised in Eswatini
- A certificate of incorporation for the company
Application process
In Eswatini, the Immigration Department is responsible for the issuance of permits for international employees who wish to enter or reside in the country. All work permits, dependent passes, and other temporary residence permits are issued by approval from a committee within the department. The committee decides whether to grant each permit on the basis of merit as per the stipulated requirements.
All international workers should apply for an Eswatini work permit from their country of residence, where they should wait for the Immigration Department’s approval of the permit before traveling to the country.
As you begin the process of international expansion, it’s crucial for your company and employees to plan ahead when it comes to applying for a work permit. It may take up to 2 months to prepare the application, as employees will need to obtain police clearances. Companies must also allow sufficient time for applicants to view the advertisement for the job opening.
An Eswatini work permit is issued for a period of 2 years and must remain valid at all times throughout the employee’s stay in Eswatini.
Other important considerations
Employees should be aware that work permits in Eswatini cannot be transferred. Should the employee accept another position within your company or seek employment elsewhere, the work permit will no longer be valid, and they will need to apply for a new permit.
It’s likely that some employees will wish to travel with family members. Companies should be aware of the process for spouses and dependents, who will also be residing in Eswatini. They’ll need to apply for temporary residence permits along with the employee, and any individual who plans to work in Eswatini will need their own work permit.
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