Deadline approaching for employers to file annual returns of foreign workers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? All companies in Ghana that employ foreign workers must submit their annual returns by Jan. 13.

What does the change mean? Companies should prepare to file their annual returns as soon as possible, or face monetary penalties.

• Implementation time frame: The normal annual deadline is Jan. 15, but since that date falls on a Sunday, companies should plan to file no later than Jan. 13.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: All companies in Ghana employing foreign workers.
• Business impact: The law imposes fines on companies and on individuals in the company who do not comply with the filing requirement.
• Next steps: Companies must submit a prescribed form providing details of each foreign employee to the Comptroller General of Immigration. BAL can assist in the process.

Background: The filing is required no later than Jan. 15 of each year. Companies must complete the prescribed 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$231), and individuals are liable to pay 200 cedis. If fines are not paid within seven days, they 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. 13. BAL can assist in the process.

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.

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