Angola

Significant changes to immigration laws

New Regulations regarding the entry, exit, stay and residence of foreign citizens in Angola came into force on 8 June 2020. The new regime (approved by Presidential Decree No. 163/20, of 8 June 2020) introduces significant changes to the Angolan migration legal landscape, including clarification on the validity period of work visas, evidence required to ensure employers' compliance with the 70/30 quota before hiring any foreign non-residents and more restrictive rules regarding the grant of investor visas.

Increase in employment litigation

As a result of the global financial crisis, the unprecedented reduction in the price of oil, and the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have had no alternative but to carry out individual and collective redundancy processes. It is likely that such dismissals will lead to a substantial increase in employment litigation in Angola, particularly in light of new legislation that has been approved by the Government in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2019

Simplification of tourist visas

Nationals of the Republics of Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe and Singapore are no longer required to hold a tourist visa when entering Angola for stays of up to 30 days per entrance and 90 days per year.

Nationals of other African countries, as well as those from America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania also benefit from a simplified regime as visa applications can now be submitted online through the official portal of the Angola Migration Services and will be issued within three business days.

Significant broadening of basis for social security contributions

A new Legal Framework for the Compulsory Social Protection Contribution (Presidential Decree No. 227/18, of 27 September 2018) came into force on 26 December 2018. The new framework significantly broadens the basis for the levying of contributions to the Social Security system. As a rule, this means that base salaries and other remuneration complements are subject to contributions to the Social Security system.

New public holidays

The Law on National and Local Holidays and Dates of National Celebration has been amended by Law No. 11/18, which came into force on 28 September 2018. This law introduced a new holiday on 23 March and a new day of national celebration on 15 January.