Repatriation deposit now required

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Angolan immigration authorities are now enforcing an existing law requiring that holders of Temporary Stay Visas pay a repatriation deposit.

What does the change mean? The SME (Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros) is now collecting the fee for foreign assignees’ dependent family members on Temporary Stay Visas before they enter Angola.

• Implementation timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary Stay Visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals entering Angola on Temporary Stay Visas.
• Impact on processing times: None.

Background: The purpose of the repatriation deposit is to deter visa overstays. While the law is not new, Angolan authorities until now have only enforced it against foreign workers holding work permits. Immigration authorities have now begun requiring that Temporary Stay Visa holders, including family members of foreign workers, pay the deposit before entry.

BAL Analysis: The amount of the repatriation deposit depends on the cost of a return flight to the traveler’s home country and is to be paid to the SME before entering Angola. In theory, travelers may be refunded the deposit if they do not overstay their visas. Upon termination of an employment contract, a refund may be requested by showing evidence of voluntary departure of the employee and family members. However, in practice, employers should be aware that refunds are rarely, if ever, given.

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

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