Major Immigration Reforms: What Employers and Corporates need to know

Introduction

On the 11th of April, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Interior formally unveiled a landmark reform of Nigeria’s immigration framework at a Stakeholders’ engagement session led by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. At the session, the Ministry introduced a comprehensive suite of reforms designed to modernize immigration processes, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Nigeria’s talent mobility policies with global standards.

Suffice it to say, what was announced goes beyond administrative updates. It signals a strategic recalibration of how Nigeria governs expatriate presence, visa processing, and corporate compliance. From digitization and new permit categories to tighter quota control and mandatory insurance, the reforms are sweeping in scope and immediate in impact.

At Jackson, Etti & Edu, we recognize that behind every policy shift lies a need for clarity and compliance. This special edition of our Immigration Spotlight offers a clear and commercially focused summary of what has changed, what it means for your business, and how best to prepare.

Let us walk you through it.

Expatriate Quota Approvals now Centralised

All quota approvals will now be handled exclusively by the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary. This change introduces a heightened level of scrutiny, with approvals reserved for roles demonstrating a genuine lack of local expertise. Supporting documentation must reflect this scarcity, and companies should be prepared for increased processing time and more rigorous justification requirements.

While the approach is commendable, its effective implementation requires the establishment of defined timelines and appropriate safeguards to mitigate the risk of extended delays in the approval process.

Digital Transformation of the CERPAC Process

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) will be digitized. Applications, payments, and card issuance will now be processed online, and all permits

will be linked to security and global monitoring systems. While the fee structure remains unchanged at the moment, the application process will now entirely be digitized, with virtual cards issued alongside physical ones.

Understudy Reporting now Mandatory

Organisations must actively track the progress of Nigerian understudies and ensure that expatriates are fulfilling their knowledge transfer obligations. A new monitoring tool will require regular updates on training milestones and compliance with understudy programs.

Compulsory Insurance Cover for Expatriates

All expatriates applying for CERPAC and Temporary Expatriate Residence Permit (TERP) will now be required to secure Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance (ECI), covering medical emergencies, repatriation, and third-party liabilities. Employers may be required to obtain annual coverage on behalf of their Expatriate Employees.

It will be interesting to see what the reaction of employers will be on this.

Visa Policy, E-Visa Implementation and Centralized Processing

E-visas will now be introduced in place of the current Visa on Arrival. The E-Visas will be processed from anywhere in the world, without the need to visit Nigerian embassies. There are several recognized visa categories, with a maximum stay of 90 days. Visa applications will now be handled solely at the Nigerian Immigration Service Headquarters, with documentation submitted entirely online.

In support of this shift, a revised visa framework “Visa Policy 2024 Reviewed” will soon be released. This updated policy will outline all visa classes, their specific requirements, and processing timelines, offering greater clarity and transparency for individuals and organisations engaging with Nigeria’s immigration system.

Temporary Work Permit Categories and Fee Adjustments

The Temporary Work Permit (TWP) regime is undergoing significant changes. The current system of obtaining TWP pre-approvals from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) before applying for the TWP visa will be discontinued. In its place, a simplified TWP process will be introduced, allowing for a three-month, non-renewable permit to be issued without prior approval.

Additionally, a new category, the TERP will be introduced, offering a six-month, non-renewable residence option.

The fees for both the TWP and TERP have also been revised and will now be pegged to a percentage of the standard CERPAC fees. For reference, the TERP (six months) will cost $1,000, while the TWP (three months) will cost $600.

Digitized Entry and Exit Management

The introduction of digital landing and exit cards means that all passengers will be required to register online before their travel. This will apply to all expatriates coming into Nigeria on all types of entry visas. The system will automatically flag overstays, with penalties enforced at $15 perday. A stay beyond three months may lead to a five-year entry ban amongst other stiff penalties.

Transition Period and Compliance Deadline

Organisations and individuals are expected to align with the new requirements within a three-month moratorium period from 1st May 2025 to 31st July 2025. Enforcement of penalties and compliance inspections will begin from August 1, 2025.

Other Reforms

Other reforms include citizenship and naturalization reforms with the processes moved online, allowing eligible individuals to apply digitally for Nigerian citizenship.

Contact Our Immigration Team

We understand that these changes may significantly affect workforce planning, internal HR processes, and long-term expatriate strategies. Our Immigration Practice Team at Jackson, Etti & Edu is available to provide tailored advisory support, assist with regularization during the moratorium period, and help your organization navigate the new regime seamlessly.

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