Employment in the Comoros: everything a foreigner needs to know

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Employment in the Comoros: everything a foreigner needs to know

Comoros is a state located in East Africa. A volcanic archipelago consisting of four main islands: Ngazija, Ndzuani, Mwali, and the island of Mayotte, which actually has the status of a region of France, has the official name of the Union of the Comoros. 

The Comoros is one of the poorest nations in the world. GDP per capita, according to 2018-2019 statistics is $788. 60% of the population is below the poverty level. Lack of skilled labour, high population growth, and considerable dependence on foreign aid, this is how the state lives. Because of the dependence on foreign aid, and the shortage of skilled workers in various fields, the state is suited for overseas employment, or places for its own business.


Labor Market.

The state cannot provide enough food, the key foodstuff, and the main share of imports in Comoros to this day is rice. Besides rice, agriculture (40% of GDP) brings vanilla, cloves, cananga, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca), and fisheries. Industry (4% of GDP) is concentrated in perfumery, and the processing of agricultural raw materials, and the service industry (56% of GDP) can also be attributed there. The state is dependent on the export of its food. 

The state government is stepping up efforts to improve labour skills and literacy, seeks to privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve business, and develop tourism.

Most organizations work Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Fridays 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturdays 7:30 to 12:00 p.m. Most business is conducted in French or Arabic, English is rarely used. 


Employment Opportunities 

Employment in the Comoros extends to a variety of jobs, but there are few, and you need good experience in any of the available fields. Of the key ones: 

- Trading and marketing;

- IT field; 

- Health and welfare; 

- Manufacturing, and Construction; 

- Agriculture, and service industries. 


Job Search

Finding work on the islands is difficult for locals, the constant population growth and the small job market remains a major challenge for the government. For foreigners, the best option is to look for work on the islands through international job sites, and job search. Finding a job already in the state is a problem, but not a major one. 


Registration of the working visa

Visa to the Comoros is not a difficult task, it is easy to obtain, but, the country is not safe, so it is advised to additionally arrange life insurance and vaccinations against malaria. 

List of documents for visa: 

- Valid passport;

- Proof of ability to pay;

- Insurance;

- Booking of air tickets;

- Confirmation of hotel booking.

For registration of work visa, you will need to obtain an invitation from the company or organization.

List of documents for work visa:

- Filling out a work visa application form;

- Invitation for work;

- Valid passport;

- Resume;

- Job information;

- Academic major, diploma, certificate;

- Four colour photos (3*4);

- Pension certificate, if a foreigner is already a pensioner.

- Employment Permit. You can ask a legal advisor for help in finding an appropriate permit.

There are two types of work visas: short-term (30 days, extendable up to 60), and long-term (from 6 months to 2-3 years). In any country, the African continent is no exception rules and laws on employment are always changing and improving. You can either keep track of the nuances of work yourself, or leave it to the professionals.


Taxes

The overall level of taxation in the Comoros was 217.9%. Local Comorian residents are required to pay income tax starting at 0% and reaching a maximum of 30%.