….expatriates to shoulder repatriation costs during overstays
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has announced major reforms aimed at tightening expatriate administration and visa procedures.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Tunji-Ojo outlined the forthcoming changes designed to curb abuse within the expatriate quota system, enforce knowledge transfer to Nigerian professionals, and shift financial responsibilities away from taxpayers.
Among the key reforms is the introduction of the Expatriate Administration System (EAS), which seeks to reinforce existing expatriate quota regulations, ensuring foreign professionals are employed strictly for roles where no qualified Nigerians are available.
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Additionally, expatriates will be required to shoulder repatriation costs, eliminating the burden on the Nigerian government.
In line with this, the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025 is set to take effect from May 1, 2025, facilitating the automation of visa application and approval processes. The new system aims to expedite visa issuance for business travellers and other foreign visitors while enhancing administrative efficiency.
Key policy shifts
Stricter expatriate regulations for companies
The Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) will adopt a more stringent approach to reviewing business permit and expatriate quota applications.
Companies seeking approvals will now undergo rigorous verification, with an emphasis on ensuring expatriates are employed only in roles with a genuine skills gap in Nigeria.
The expatriate understudy policy will be strictly enforced, mandating that each foreign professional trains at least two Nigerians who hold either a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma, to assume their role once the expatriate’s tenure ends.
The lifespan of an expatriate quota slot typically ranges between four to seven years, contingent upon the industry.
Fee adjustments and migrant penalties
An upward revision of business permit and expatriate quota approval fees is also in the works. The Minister has indicated that current fees are inadequate for funding necessary site visits and inspections, with revised rates set to be announced in due course.
Additionally, from August 1, 2025, undocumented foreign nationals will face sanctions unless they regularise their immigration status. Authorities have granted a grace period until the deadline before penalties are enforced.
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Automation of residence permit applications
The cumbersome manual residence permit application process will be replaced with a streamlined online system.
Under the new framework, expatriates will be able to acquire the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) electronically, submit their documentation via the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal, and receive a digital permit before a physical card is dispatched to their employer’s registered address.
Mandatory expatriate personal liability insurance
To address repatriation costs traditionally borne by Nigerian taxpayers, the government will introduce a repatriation insurance scheme in collaboration with private-sector partners. The annual premium, varying based on the expatriate’s duration of stay, will range between $500 and $1,000.
Transition to electronic visas
Effective May 1, 2025, the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) system will be phased out, replaced by an e-Visa framework.
Those holding VOA pre-approval letters issued before May 1, will still be permitted entry, provided the approval remains valid within its two-week timeframe. However, any VOA authorisation granted post-30 April will be deemed invalid.
The e-Visa system will allow group and family applications, while Temporary Work Permit (TWP) visas, available for three or six months, can now be obtained online at pro-rated fees of $600 and $1,100, respectively. Under the revamped process, applicants can receive visa approvals via email within 48 hours, removing the need for physical visa stickers.
Read also: Foreign nationals who overstay their visas risk a daily $15 fine, 10 years ban -FG.
Centralised visa approval system
To improve oversight and efficiency, visa applications will now be approved centrally at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, rather than through individual Nigerian missions abroad.
Regular visa services, including Subject to Regularisation (STR) and business visas, will remain available through Nigerian embassies, though initial reviews will take place in Abuja. Standard visa processing times are estimated at ten working days.
New online landing and exit card requirements
Travelers entering and leaving Nigeria will be required to complete an online landing and exit card, enabling authorities to monitor stay durations and prevent visa violations.
Strict overstay penalties
To deter overstays, penalties will range from $15 per day to travel bans extending to five years, ten years, or even a lifetime based on the duration of the infringement.
