Deadline approaching for employers to file annual returns of foreign workers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? All companies that employ foreign workers must submit annual returns by Jan. 15.

What does the change mean? Companies should prepare their annual returns if they have not already done so. Those who miss the Jan. 15 deadline may face monetary penalties.

• Implementation time frame: Between now and Jan. 15.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: All companies in Ghana employing foreign workers.
• Business impact: The law imposes fines on companies that fail to comply with the filing requirement, as well as on individuals within noncomplying companies.
• Next steps: Companies must submit a prescribed form providing details of each foreign employee to the Comptroller General of Immigration.

Background: The filing is required no later than Jan. 15 of each year. Companies must complete the form, providing the names and addresses of all foreign workers who are employed as of Jan. 1.

Companies that fail to file face fines of 1,000 cedis (about US$225), and individuals are liable to pay 200 cedis. If fines are not paid within seven days, companies and individuals may be subject to criminal prosecution and additional monetary penalties.

BAL Analysis: Employers are reminded not to delay filing their annual returns and to file them no later than Jan. 15. BAL can assist in the process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Africa. For additional information, please contact africa@bal.com.

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