Immigration Law at Burundi
Burundi's immigration system is governed by the General Commissariat for Migration (CGM), operating under the Ministry of Public Security and Disaster Management. The CGM is responsible for implementing government policy on migration, controlling the movement of foreigners, issuing travel documents and visas, and ensuring the implementation of border agreements . (Work permit in Burundi - Burundi - 50 Million African Women Speak)
đŸ‡§đŸ‡® Immigration Law in Burundi
1. Visa and Entry Requirements
Burundi offers various visa options for foreign nationals:
Visa on Arrival: Available at Bujumbura International Airport and all land borders, allowing a maximum stay of 1 month . (Visa policy of Burundi)
Online Visa: Citizens of other countries and territories may obtain an online visa through the official portal . (Visa policy of Burundi)
Transit Visa: For passengers with a confirmed onward ticket, allowing them to stay in the international transit area of the airport . (Visa policy of Burundi)
Visa exemptions may apply based on bilateral agreements, such as those with Chad, UAE, and others . (Visa policy of Burundi)
2. Work Permits
Foreign nationals intending to work in Burundi must obtain a work permit. The application process includes:
Employer Sponsorship: A valid job offer from a registered company in Burundi is required . (Employment Visa to Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Documentation: Submission of a valid passport, employment contract, professional qualifications, and a medical certificate . (Africa – Burundi Visa – USCIS Guide)
Permit Duration: Work permits are typically issued for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal . (Burundi | Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP)
Fees: The cost is approximately 3% of the employee's annual salary, paid by the employer . (Work permit in Burundi - Burundi - 50 Million African Women Speak)
It's important to note that work permits are generally tied to a specific employer, and changing employers may require a new permit . (Work Visa to Burundi – World Visa Guide)
3. Residence Permits
Burundi offers different types of residence permits:
Temporary Residence Permit: Valid for 6 months, with a cost of approximately 50,000 Burundian Francs (BIF) . (Residency Permit in Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Long-Term Residence Permit: Valid for 1 year, with a cost of approximately 100,000 BIF . (Residency Permit in Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Permanent Residence Permit: Available for individuals who have legally resided in Burundi for at least five years and meet certain criteria, with a cost of approximately 200,000 BIF . (Residency Permit in Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Permanent residents enjoy rights to work and engage in business activities without additional permits . (Permanent Residency in Burundi – World Visa Guide)
4. Citizenship
Burundian nationality is primarily acquired through: (Burundian nationality law)
Jus Sanguinis: By birth in Burundi or abroad to Burundian parents. (Burundian nationality law)
Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements and demonstrating integration into Burundian society .
A foreign woman marrying a Burundian citizen may apply for citizenship two years after marriage, provided she has renounced her previous citizenship . (Visit World - Congolese Expats in Burundi: Navigating the Residence Permit and Citizenship Process)
5. Overstaying and Penalties
Overstaying a visa or residence permit in Burundi can result in:
Fines and Penalties: Imposition of fines based on the duration of the overstay. (Work Visa to Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Deportation: Individuals may be detained and deported. (Work Visa to Burundi – World Visa Guide)
Inadmissibility: Future entry into Burundi may be denied .
For detailed and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi. (Work Permit – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi)
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