Lesotho Work Permit Photo Guide
When you apply for a Certificate of Employment in Lesotho, you must provide recent passport photographs[1]. This guide helps you prepare the right photo format for your application.
Official Size and Application Requirements
The Labour Act requires each work-permit application to be lodged with two recent passport photographs[1]. The Act does not give exact photo dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a common passport-photo size used in practice.
The Act does not specify photo dimensions or head height[1]. Confirm the required size with the issuing office before preparing your photos.
Background and Lighting Details
The Labour Act requires two recent passport photographs but gives no background color or exact dimensions[1]. Check with the issuing office about any background preference.
Good lighting is just as important as the background when you take your picture. Face a bright window to let natural light illuminate your face evenly. Avoid standing under harsh overhead lights that cast deep shadows under your nose or chin. If your face is too dark or washed out, the person reviewing your application may ask you to submit a new photo.
Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings
Official regulations leave several personal appearance rules unspecified. Rules regarding glasses are unspecified by the authority[1]. Similarly, headwear permissions are unspecified by the official guidelines[1].
The Act does not specify rules for glasses, headwear, expression, or mouth position[1]. Ask the issuing office if it has preferences.
Preparing Printed Photos for Submission
The Act says the work-permit application must be lodged with two recent passport photographs[1]. It does not specify a digital or printed format.
You can easily prepare your image files at home before you print them out. Crop your picture to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter proportions using the tool above. After you crop your image, place it onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template sheet. You can then print this sheet at any local photo kiosk just like an ordinary vacation picture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo
You do not need expensive studio equipment to capture a proper picture for your work permit. Start by placing your camera or phone on a stable surface or tripod. Position the camera lens right at your eye level so the angle looks natural.
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens. Ask a trusted friend or family member to snap the picture instead of trying to take a selfie. Check that your entire head and the top of your shoulders fit comfortably inside the frame before you save the file.
Children and Family Application Rules
The cited Act requires two recent passport photographs of the work-permit applicant[1]. It does not state photo requirements for family members or dependents.
Infant and child photo rules are not detailed in the primary labour regulations[1]. When photographing young children, try to lay them on a plain light sheet if they cannot sit up alone. Take multiple rapid shots so you have a better chance of capturing a clear image with open eyes and a quiet face.
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Lesotho work permit photo?
Do I need printed or digital photos?
The application must include two recent passport photographs[1]. The Act does not specify whether the photos must be printed or attached physically.
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
The rules for glasses are unspecified by the authority[1]. It is safest to remove them to avoid application delays.
What background color should I use?
The official form gives no background color[1]. A plain, light-colored background is standard practice.
Can I print my photos at a kiosk?
Yes, you can arrange your cropped photo on a 4x6 template using the tool above and print it at a local kiosk.