coatinginspection

Hello,

I am looking to work on contract / rotational work in sub-saharan and West Africa. I am seeking advice on whether it is possible to obtain permits / visas in countries, specifically Angola and to a lesser extent DRC, Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoir.

Has anyone with a police caution or unclean criminal record run in to problems working in these countries. I see some 'visa agencies' do not require a submission of criminal record / CRB check, however, the Angolan Embassy website explicitly states that a translated check for criminal record should be submitted when applying.

I have already obtained a 10 year visa for permit to enter USA, however, it was an expensive process visiting the embassy in London.

Thank you for the time reading, if you have any advice you would like to give privately then please don't hesitate to PM.

Cheers,

Chris.

Darkwan

Need a clean record mate.

coatinginspection

Is that based on previous experience or what? Remember a police caution in the UK is not classed as a conviction.

Thanks.

Heartfm

Chek the pommies fighting already.. lol!

coatinginspection

Hardly fighting, just that a lot of people are misguided on this subject, as I found out from the US application. I appreciate the answer but it was kind of vague. Does the Andorran Embassy blanket deny anyone with a spent conviction? What form of check do they require? ASTA? Subject Access? CRB? If he has a little more background on his anwer then it would be much appreciated.

reggiedh

I have never bee asked to provide any kind of police clearance or anything else to work in west Africa. The company always applied for and obtained the visas.

coatinginspection

Reggie, that's interesting, having looked into it. I have foundthis website that suggests that there are different requirements for petroleum workers than general workers. Where else have you worked? Azerbaijan by any chance?

Thanks.

reggiedh

All my overseas work has been in Western and Southern Africa in 6-7 different countries and in all cases the employer has obtained the visas. Are you gong to work for a major company because if so I am sure they will guide you through the process.

coatinginspection

Well, I have just had a solid offer to contract for an oil major in Baku, hence why I asked. There is not much point in me pursuing in Angola if I cannot obtain a Visa though. Plus I was asking theoretically, I have had no offers nor sought work in Angola as yet, although I have been asked to work there on a contract basis.

reggiedh

Sounds exciting; best of luck.