Filing deadline nears for foreign-workforce reports

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Companies in Gambia whose foreign workers make up more than 20 percent of their workforce must file an annual report by the end of the year detailing the job roles of their foreign employees.

What does the change mean? Companies are reminded to complete the filing with the Gambian Immigration Department as soon as possible and no later than the Jan. 1 deadline.

• Implementation time frame: Now until Jan. 1.
• Visas/permits affected: Annual reporting.
• Who is affected: Companies with more than 20 percent foreign employees.
• Business impact: The filing is an annual requirement to help authorities track companies that rely on foreign workers and make sure they are in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Next steps: Companies must fill out a prescribed form available at the Immigration Department. No other documents are required.

Background: The annual reporting requirement is meant to ensure that companies are compliant with rules regarding foreign-to-Gambian employee ratios. Companies are not permitted to employ foreigners in more than 20 percent of their workforce, except where the foreign employee occupies a specialized professional role. The annual reporting of foreign workers enables immigration authorities to monitor compliance, as well as to ensure that employers are giving priority to qualified Gambians over foreign nationals when hiring and to ensure that employers are paying the payroll tax applicable to each foreign employee.

BAL Analysis: Companies required to file the reports are encouraged to do so before the Christmas and end-of-year rush, when many government offices close for significant periods of time.

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

Copyright © 2017 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.