Acquiring work permits for foreign staff in Zimbabwe

There is generally no restriction on hiring foreign staff or a foreigner worker in Zimbabwe. The key legislation for the hiring of foreign staff in Zimbabwe is the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] as read with the Immigration Regulations 1998 (Statutory Instrument 195/1995).

In order to hire a foreign worker in Zimbabwe, there has to be an employer (if it is an organisation, such organisation has to be a locally registered) in order for the employer to be able to acquire work permits for its foreign staff.

A potential foreign worker who wishes to engage in any occupation or work in Zimbabwe should first obtain a temporary employment permit. It is the prerogative of the employer to make an application on behalf of the foreign national with the Principal Director of Immigration.

When applying for a work permit, it is imperative to submit the following documents in duplicate:

1. Evidence of Financial Means
2. X2 Passport size photographs
3. Certificated Copies of Diploma, Degree
4. Certified copies of Birth Certificate
5. Radiological Certificate (not exceeding 5 years)
6. Non-Refundable Statutory Fee