Upcoming elections may cause processing delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ghana is preparing for Presidential and Parliamentary elections to be held Dec. 7.

What does the change mean? Some immigration processing delays are already occurring and are likely to continue up until the elections and immediately after.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: All immigration-related processing.
• Who is affected: Ghanaian companies and foreign nationals applying for visas and work permits, including renewals.
• Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect delays caused by the elections as well as the holiday season.
• Business impact: Employers and foreign nationals should plan for longer timelines when setting business schedules and travel dates.

Background: Ghanaians will head to the polls Dec. 7 to elect a President from among seven candidates representing multiple political parties, including incumbent John Dramani Mahama of the governing National Democratic Congress party, who has been president since 2012.

B·A·L Analysis: Employers and assignees should anticipate immigration process delays throughout election season and the holiday season thereafter.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Ghana. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.