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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024
Foreign nationals seeking to enter, work, or reside in Nigeria must meet the country's Immigration Rules. The Nigeria Immigration Regulations on work permits are outlined in the Immigration Act 2015 and the Immigration Regulations 2017. The agency responsible for issuing work permits to aliens is the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Section 116 of the Immigration Act, 2015, defines a work permit as a document that allows a non-Nigerian expert to reside and work in Nigeria for a specified period of time.
These involve several steps and documents. Here are the processes:
In Nigeria, the Expatriate Quota (EQ) is a form of authorisation granted by the Ministry of Interior to register businesses and firms to hire foreign nationals for particular positions. Quotas are assigned to the company, not the expatriate. When an expatriate leaves a company, the position reverts to the sponsor. The company may hire another expatriate as long as the quota position is still valid. The goal of the EQ is to ensure that the relevant technology and skills are imparted to Nigerians during the work duration.
The Company seeking to employ a foreigner must apply for an Expatriate Quota from the Ministry of Interior.
To obtain an EQ, companies must submit the following documents:
The Ministry of Interior grants the quota for a specific period, usually, for a period of three (3) years in the first instance, renewable biennially for two consecutive times within a lifespan of seven (7) years. After receiving positions on the EQ from the Federal Ministry of Interior, foreign employees must apply for a Subject to Regularization Visa from the Nigerian Embassy or diplomatic mission in their country of residence.
The Subject to Regularization (STR) visa is a single-entry visa granted to foreigners who have been invited to Nigeria for long-term employment or business. It enables the transfer of knowledge and expertise from competent expatriates to Nigerians, while also helping businesses grow and increase their operations.
The foreigner applies for an STR Visa from the Nigerian Embassy or diplomatic mission in their country of residence.
The STR visa is provided for 90 days, during which the expatriate must apply to the Comptroller General of Immigration to regularize the residency and acquire a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) is a document issued to foreigners to legally live and work in Nigeria. It is a crucial document for expatriates who have been invited to Nigeria for long-term employment or business opportunities.
The foreigner must apply for a CERPAC, which is a long-term work authorization.
The following people are exempted from applying for CERPAC and are instead granted CERPAC Gratis:
Upon approval, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issues a green-coloured non-transferrable card, referred to as CERPAC, which is a long-term work authorization.
The ECOWAS Residence Card is a legal authorization issued to citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries to live and work in Nigeria.
ECOWAS nationals must register with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in their place of residence after becoming resident in Nigeria.
Step-by-Step Process:
Application letter for the ECOWAS Residence Card made by the Individual/Employer/Embassy/High Commission/Diaspora Union accepting Immigration Responsibilities:
Additional documents for employed ECOWAS nationals:
Upon issuance by Nigerian Immigration, the ECOWAS Residence Card is valid for work in Nigeria and serves as proof of residence in Nigeria.
Temporary Work Permit (6 months) is a multiple-entry visa issued to experts invited by corporate bodies to provide specialised skilled services such as after-sales installation/commissioning/upgrading/maintenance/repairs of equipment and machinery, training/capacity building for Nigerian staff, and auditing of machinery/equipment and financial records. It is an authorised visa issued by the Nigerian Embassy with the approval of the Controller General of Immigration. The temporary work permit is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue.
The corporate body in Nigeria files a formal request to the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) on behalf of the expatriate.
A business visa permits holder to undertake business, attend business meetings, business conferences, client meetings, create business partnerships, business meetings for a branch of another organisation or their own organisation, and so on but not to work. It is accessible to people of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals who do not need a visa to visit Nigeria and other countries that have entered into visa abolition agreements. Business Visa is valid for 90 days.
The foreign traveler applies for a Business Visa from the Nigerian Embassy or diplomatic mission in their country of residence.
Passport with at least 6 months validity
The procedures and requirements for work permits in Nigeria are complex and involve multiple steps. Foreign nationals seeking to work in Nigeria must first obtain an Expatriate Quota from the Federal Ministry of Interior.
This quota is issued to companies seeking to employ foreign workers. Once the quota is obtained, the foreign national can apply for a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa, which is a single-entry visa that allows them to enter Nigeria for a period of 90 days.
During this time, they must apply for a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which is a permanent residence and work permit. The CERPAC is issued by The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and is valid for two years. Foreign nationals can renew the CERPAC for an additional two years, but they must first apply for an extension and provide the required documents.
A work permit is not necessary for certain jobs, such as those with the federal, state, or local governments, or for West African nationals registered with ECOWAS. If an employer fails to secure a legal work permit before hiring a non-Nigerian, both the employer and the employee may face fines or imprisonment.
Note: The content of this article is anticipated to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstance.
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