Labour and Expatriate Employment
The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) is the governing legislation for employment and labor matters in Ghana. It establishes regulations and guidelines for various aspects of the workforce. The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is responsible for setting policy direction in this field, while the National Labour Commission oversees the enforcement of labor laws.
Under Act 651, workers in Ghana are classified into three main categories: permanent, casual, and temporary. Each category has its own set of rights and obligations, providing a framework for the employment relationship in the country.
Immigrant Quotas
Companies registered with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre are permitted to employ key expatriate personnel in accordance with the level of investment, as outlined in the provisions of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act (Act 865).
The allocation of immigrant quotas is determined by the amount of paid-up capital, as indicated below:
US$50,000 ≥ and < US$250,000 (one automatic quota)
US$250,000 ≥ and <US$500,000 (two automatic quotas)
US$500,000 ≥ and <US$700,000 (three automatic quotas)
US$700,000+ (four automatic quotas)
An Automatic Immigrant Quota entitles a company to obtain work and residence permits for one expatriate employee, as well as residence permits for their spouse and dependent children.
If a company requires additional expatriate employees beyond the automatic quota, they may submit a case-by-case application to the Centre with justification. The Centre may grant time-bound work permits in such cases.
Quota Application
The following documents are required:
- Cover Letter addressed to the CEO (letter to indicate name of expatriate and position in the company).
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae of expatriate.
- Copy of bio data page of passport.
- Copy of employment contract between expatriate and company (if applicable).
- ID of officer submitting the application
Replacement of Quota
The following documents are required in the application:
- Cover Letter addressed to the CEO (letter to indicate name of expatriate and position in the company).
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae of expatriate.
- Copy of bio data page of passport.
- Copy of employment contract between expatriate and company (if applicable).
- ID of officer submitting the application
- Confirmation of departure letter from Ghana Immigration Service
Short Term Work Permits
Ranging from less than 1 year to a maximum of 5 years
The following documents are required in the application:
- Cover Letter addressed to the CEO (letter to indicate name of expatriate and position in the company).
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae of expatriate.
- Copy of bio data page of passport.
- Copy of employment contract between expatriate and company.
- Reason/justification for the need for the short-term work permit for the expatriate(s)
- Proof of attempt to source the needed skill locally/Proof of shortage of the particular skill in Ghana
- ID of officer submitting the application
NB: Short term permits are irreplaceable (Excluding 4 or 5 years as arranged between GIPC and Ghana Immigration Service)
QUOTA FEE STRUCTURE
- Automatic Quota -> 3,150GHS
- Replacement of Automatic Quota-> 3,150GHS
- Substitution of Quota Letters (Automatic & Short-term Permit)->1,050GHS
- Short-term permit: 1 year & below->10,500GHS
- Short-term permit: 2-3 years->14,700GHS
- Short-term permit: 4-5 years-> 21,000GHS