Gabon - Apply for a work permit

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Procedure

First thing to be done : Documents to be submitted to the ministry of Labour and Human resource in Gabon starting that the Company will sponsor you. An updated version of the company's commercial register prove that the company is existing in the country. The company's tax card for clearing taxes to the Government.

Step 1

In order to apply for a work visa the applicant must have a job offer from a Gabon company.

Step 2

• The company initiates the process by applying to the Work Department in the Ministry of Labour and Human resource for a work visa approval, providing a copy of the applicant's passport, an invitation letter prepared by the company, and the required fees.
• A power of attorney to be issued by the company in favour of the officer who will carry out the work permit procedures on behalf of the company.

Step 3

The work department approves the application, and sends a copy to the Department of Documentation and Immigration in Libreville Gabon.

Step 4

The Department of Documentation and Immigration prepares the actual "work visa approval" and faxes a copy to the Gabon embassy in the applicant's country of origin.

Step 5

the applicant visits the embassy, pays the appropriate fees, and secures the visa stamp in his or her passport.

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Required Documents

• Valid passport of 6 months
• Seven passport photos
• Two copies of employers incorporation contract
• Two copies of Tax ID card
• Two copies of academic qualifications (university degrees etc.)
• Copy of commercial register from employer
• Licences required for practising profession
• Letter from employer detailing why it was necessary to hire a foreigner
• Approval from relevant authority related to profession
• A representative from employer who will sponsor the work permit
• Negative HIV test
• Approval from State Security organ in Gabon

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Labour & Human Resources

Bote Postale 2256,

Libreville

Telephone : +241(1) 732-739

Ministry of Economy, Finance, Budget & Privatisation

Bote Postale 165,

Libreville

Telephone : +241(1) 763-763

Eligibility

• Any foreigner wishing to work in Gabon must obtain a work Permit.
• You will need to get a security clearance from the State Security organs in Gabon.
• You will also need to provide proof of a clean bill of health.
• This includes undergoing an HIV test and Ebola free.

Fees

Fees charges goes to $1000

Validity

It is valid for a year, after which you will have to renew it. Most employers will take care of renewing this process.

Documents to Use

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Sample Documents

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Processing Time

The process can take up to six months so you should plan accordingly.

Related Videos

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Instructions

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e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

Required Information

• A person can acquire the work permit application form from the Ministry of Labour and Human resource Office in Libreville.
• For those workers who might not be in Gabon, their employer will obtain the form for them.
• All applicants will have to provide numerous documents to support their application.

Need for the Document

If you wish to apply for a work permit to allow you to work in the Gabon there are several options dependent on your skills and qualifications. Those that are highly skilled with a degree and work experience may wish to apply for work Migrant Program which will allow them freedom to come to the Gabon and seek work. Those that apply via this route will be granted access to the Gabon for 2 years but will have the chance to stay longer if they can prove they are in full time employment once the two year period is up.

Another option is the work permit visa. Getting a work permit in Gabon requires sponsorship from a local employer, and if you change employer, your work permit must also be changed. You are not allowed to apply for a work permit yourself; your potential employer has to apply on your behalf. If you get granted a work permit it is only specific to the employer who applied for it. You cannot go off and work somewhere else with it. Unfortunately you cannot get a work permit for contract work.

This can make getting a Gabon work permit very difficult for contractors, because they usually work on short contracts and change employers frequently.

That is why applying for the work visa needs a qualified person who is experienced enough to request for a work permit on your behalf.

The most difficult aspect of getting a work permit in Gabon for contractors is finding a stable sponsor throughout the period of your stay. The level of administrative work, required to change your work permit equals an extensive administrative workload. Expect time loss and undue stress if keep on changing clients.

If you have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the Gabon then you do not need to apply for a work permit.

To be eligible for Leave to Remain which allows a non citizen to stay and work in the Gabon for as long as you wish, you need to have been living and working in the Gabon for two- five years or more.

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

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e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

http://umbrellaselector.com/How-to-get-a-Work-Permit-in-Gabon

http://contractorworkpermits.com/Getting-a-Work-Permit-in-Gabon

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