Immigration Reforms: New Visa, Expatriate Quota Policies to take effect May 1 — Minister

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that major reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), including a revised expatriate quota system and new visa policy, will officially commence on May 1.

Speaking during the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) forum held in Lagos on Friday, the minister emphasized that the reforms were designed to protect Nigerian jobs and enhance the country’s immigration structure.

He disclosed that expatriate quota approvals would now be subjected to stricter scrutiny, stating, “It will no longer be business as usual.” He added that only technical roles lacking capable Nigerian professionals would be considered for expatriate hiring under the new regime.

Tunji-Ojo specifically ruled out quota allocations for basic job roles such as waitresses, drivers, and other positions requiring only a secondary school certificate, noting that Nigerians are sufficiently qualified to fill those roles.

“Quota is meant for jobs Nigerians cannot do, and such roles must allow for knowledge transfer. It is wrong to bring in expatriates for jobs like driving or waiting tables,” the minister stated.

He further assured that there would be no increase in the fees for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC). The new reforms will introduce an electronic CERPAC (e-CERPAC) system, which will include a virtual copy sent via email and machine-readable physical cards that cannot be forged. This system will also be integrated with Interpol for better monitoring and security.

Other upcoming reforms include the introduction of:

Temporary Expatriate Resident Permit (TERP)

Insurance integration

Electronic landing and exit cards

E-visa solutions

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of sanitizing Nigeria’s immigration system and directed the establishment of expatriate support desks at all immigration offices nationwide to assist stakeholders and ensure smooth implementation.

Meanwhile, NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, acknowledged the ministry’s effort to simplify immigration processes. He revealed that following a recent stakeholders’ engagement, a 10-man committee was formed to review and implement key aspects of the proposed reforms.

The initiatives are expected to make Nigeria’s immigration system more efficient, reduce abuse of expatriate quotas, and promote employment for Nigerian citizens.