Is your company searching for opportunities to expand to the global market? The Kingdom of Lesotho may be small in size, but this southern African nation still has a great deal to offer to international businesses. That said, conducting business in any country from abroad comes with a set of unique challenges. To begin, you’ll need to recruit a talented team of employees who are willing to relocate — and it’s up to you as the employer to make sure they have the necessary visas and permits to work in Lesotho.
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Types of Work Visas in Lesotho
Lesotho offers several visa categories that cover a number of reasons for foreign nationals to enter the country. Some of the most common visas in Lesotho include:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Official and diplomatic visas
- Student visas
Lesotho doesn’t offer a work-specific visa. Foreign employees can travel to Lesotho on the basis of a general tourist visa and apply for a work and residence permit after they arrive.
Requirements to Obtain Lesotho Work Visas
In order to obtain a visa for traveling to Lesotho, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- A completed visa application
- A valid passport with a blank page for the entry stamp
- A recent passport photograph
- Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
- Proof that the applicant has travel health insurance
Employees should bring the following documents with them to apply for a work and residence permit in Lesotho:
- A letter of invitation from the employer in Lesotho
- A valid passport
- A passport photo
- A completed application
- Proof of accommodations in Lesotho
Application Process
Foreign employees should begin the visa application process by locating the nearest embassy or diplomatic mission of Lesotho. The applicant should submit all required documents to the embassy and then wait in their country of residence for approval.
After the relevant officials approve the visa application, the employee can travel to Lesotho. Upon arrival, they’ll need to apply for a work and residence permit. Foreign nationals can apply for this permit at the Department of Immigration and Passport Services. This department is located within the Ministry of Home Affairs in Lesotho. The required documents for the permit include a letter from the employer, so it’s important for foreign nationals to secure a job before traveling to Lesotho.
Once approval for the work and residence permit has been given, the employee can begin working in Lesotho. The permit will be valid for an initial period of up to two years.
Other Important Considerations
It can be challenging for foreign workers to find paid employment in Lesotho. Similarly, many companies find the process of setting up a business entity in Lesotho to be costly and time-consuming. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to hire employees to work in Lesotho without an established presence in the country. Your business can meet this requirement by partnering with a global PEO and hiring employees through their existing subsidiary — and Globalization Partners will gladly be that global PEO.
Partner With Globalization Partners
As your business grows in Lesotho, you’ll want an experienced global PEO on your side. The team at Globalization Partners will work around the clock to ensure a seamless transition for your company. Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive solution for global employment.
