No work permit needed.

The common market protocol provides for work permits to still be a requirement for working in another partner state. This does not mean that every EAC does require a work permit, it only means that countries are allowed to maintain a work permit scheme if they wish to. It is up to each individual that wishes to cross the border to find out if a work permit is required and to produce the documentation required to obtain one.

Workers will enter partner states by presenting their passports or national identification documentation at the point entry, declaring the usual information and providing a contract of employment. For Jobs that will lat than 90 days, workers will need a special pass and for jobs lasting longer than 90 days, a work permit, special passes and work permits require different supporting documentation. Spouses and children may be allowed to travel with the worker if they apply as well.

Although workers permits are still in place, the protocol does make it easier to know how much time and effort is required to acquire one: the timeframe for obtaining a work permit is now limited to 30 days across the region, and applicants are entitled to know why in writing and to challenge this decision. EAC countries have also agreed to harmonize the fees for work permits, and this is part of the ongoing negotiating process.

The protocol also contains a very important principle which is that once a country has made its legislation, regulations and administrative procedures less strict towards other EAC citizens, it can’t o back on this decision. So it a country removes work permits, this decision can not be reversed and they can’ be re instituted in the future.