U.S. exports to Africa have increased substantially over the last several years.  A U.S. Department of Commerce report showing the top U.S. trade partners shows a 27.1% increase in exports to Nigeria in the last year alone.  In contrast, other regions of the world show a negative growth in exports from the U.S., including the United Kingdom (-13.7%) and Japan (-6.8%).  While the report does not specify the products being exported, the dramatic rate of increase may be the result of a rise in Africa’s infrastructure development and its continuing emergence as a consumer market. The increased focus on development in Africa has also resulted in local government interest in developing local workforce participation in major industries.  As a result, companies with a presence in Africa will likely experience higher levels of scrutiny with regard to their immigration activities – particularly as it pertains to foreign work force policies and compliance with regulations.
Continue Reading Africa’s Climb in the World Market and the Ancillary Impact on Immigration Compliance