The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has cautioned landlords to strictly comply with regulations governing the rental of properties to foreign nationals, urging them to verify the immigration status of prospective tenants before entering into agreements.
Mr Faisal Disu, an Assistant Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration in charge of Operations and Command Post, said foreigners in Ghana fell into different categories, noting that not all of them were eligible to rent residential or commercial properties.
He explained that visitors who entered the country on short-term or visitor permits were not allowed to rent properties for long-term stays.
“Those on visitor permits are here for a limited period and should not be renting buildings,” he said.
Mr Disu stressed that only foreign nationals with valid residence permits issued by the GIS were eligible for long-term tenancy arrangements.
“If you are renting to a foreigner, you must insist on seeing a valid residence permit before proceeding,” he emphasised.
He warned that failure by landlords to conduct proper checks could expose them to legal consequences, adding that some properties rented to foreigners had been used for unlawful activities.
“It should not be business as usual because some tenants may use these properties for criminal purposes,” he cautioned.
Mr Disu disclosed that the Service had uncovered cases where houses rented to foreign nationals were used for criminal operations, including cybercrime.
“We have intercepted up to 57 foreign nationals living in a single house and engaging in activities such as cybercrime,” he revealed.
He therefore urged landlords to exercise due diligence at all times by verifying documents, confirming identities and ensuring that tenants were properly authorised to reside in the country.
“Our offices are available in regional and district capitals, and we are ready to assist with verification,” he noted.
He reiterated the commitment of the Service to safeguarding national security and maintaining law and order.
“We all have a role to play in protecting the country, and landlords must be part of that effort,” he added.
GNA
