[Nigeria] Expatriate permit process automated to boost efficiency

From May 1, Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process, Hindustan Times reports.

According to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the move is intended to speed up approvals and reduce opportunities for corruption.

Critics have reportedly stated that the current system for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Cards - the mandatory identification and residency document for foreigners working or living in Nigeria - is slow and susceptible to abuse.

Until now, applicants for residence in Nigeria encountered a complicated, time-consuming process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions.

In a Twitter post, Mr Tunji-Ojo stated that the government was not increasing application fees but was streamlining the application and payment systems through automation.

During a meeting with business leaders in Lagos earlier this month, Mr Tunji-Ojo said, "The era of going to the bank, buying forms, and physically submitting documents applying for CERPAC is over.

"Everything will be processed online, with QR-coded digital copies and backend integration with security systems to verify criminal records and immigration history."

The online system is expected to expedite verification and enhance security checks, the minister said.

The government is also reportedly targeting the widespread misuse of the expatriate quota system, where companies are allocated a certain number of foreign workers for specific roles. Mr Tunji-Ojo cited instances of quotas being approved for positions which could easily be filled by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters.

The minister said the reforms will ensure quotas are granted primarily for roles requiring skills lacking locally, with a mandatory understudy scheme requiring companies to submit progress reports on knowledge transfer to Nigerian employees.

Further reforms reportedly include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by businesses, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers.

Source: Hindustan Times

(Quote via original reporting)

From May 1, Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process, Hindustan Times reports.

According to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the move is intended to speed up approvals and reduce opportunities for corruption.

Critics have reportedly stated that the current system for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Cards - the mandatory identification and residency document for foreigners working or living in Nigeria - is slow and susceptible to abuse.

Until now, applicants for residence in Nigeria encountered a complicated, time-consuming process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions.

In a Twitter post, Mr Tunji-Ojo stated that the government was not increasing application fees but was streamlining the application and payment systems through automation.

During a meeting with business leaders in Lagos earlier this month, Mr Tunji-Ojo said, "The era of going to the bank, buying forms, and physically submitting documents applying for CERPAC is over.

"Everything will be processed online, with QR-coded digital copies and backend integration with security systems to verify criminal records and immigration history."

The online system is expected to expedite verification and enhance security checks, the minister said.

The government is also reportedly targeting the widespread misuse of the expatriate quota system, where companies are allocated a certain number of foreign workers for specific roles. Mr Tunji-Ojo cited instances of quotas being approved for positions which could easily be filled by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters.

The minister said the reforms will ensure quotas are granted primarily for roles requiring skills lacking locally, with a mandatory understudy scheme requiring companies to submit progress reports on knowledge transfer to Nigerian employees.

Further reforms reportedly include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by businesses, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers.

Source: Hindustan Times

(Quote via original reporting)