Latest news with #OlubunmiTunji-Ojo
Business Insider
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Foreigners who overstay visas in Nigeria face new government sanctions
Foreign nationals who remain in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visas are now subject to stricter penalties under a newly enforced policy by the Nigerian government. Stricter penalties for overstaying visas in Nigeria enforced from September 1, 2025 Foreigners who overstay visas will face daily fines, entry bans, and blacklisting Three-month grace period for irregular migrants to regularize their status Starting September 1, 2025, foreigners who overstay their visas in Nigeria will face a daily fine of $15 for each day beyond their approved stay. This move is part of broader immigration reforms aimed at tightening border control, enhancing national security, and ensuring better compliance with immigration laws. This development was disclosed in a statement signed on Monday by AS Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer at the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters in Abuja. This new rule is part of Nigeria's ongoing immigration reforms, which also introduced a digital e-Visa system and automated entry and exit cards which will come into effect as from May 1, 2025. Specifically, individuals who remain in the country for more than three months will face the daily fine in addition to a five-year entry ban. For those who overstay for a year or longer, the consequences are more severe. These individuals will not only be subject to the daily fine but also face blacklisting and a permanent ban from re-entering Nigeria. The new rules will be enforced beginning September 1, 2025, but the tracking mechanism to monitor overstay cases will be activated a month earlier, starting August 2, 2025. The new measures, which apply to tourists, expatriates, and other foreign visitors, include increased fines, possible deportation, and restrictions on re-entry for violators. Authorities say the policy is designed to deter abuse of Nigeria's visa system, which has in the past seen overstays go largely unpunished. Immigration officials warn that the enforcement will be strict and consistent, regardless of nationality or visa category. Officials hope that the new sanctions will encourage visitors to respect visa conditions and help the country align more closely with international immigration standards. Nigeria offers Visa 'amnesty' The Nigerian government had earlier announced a three-month grace period, starting May 1, 2025, for irregular migrants to regularize their status, after which a nationwide crackdown will commence on August 1, 2025. This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers' Consultative Association (NECA). The initiative is part of efforts to enhance the management of expatriates in Nigeria and ensure strict compliance with immigration laws. Enforcement of the Expatriate Employment Levy Administration System (EAS) will begin on August 1, 2025. Additionally, the government announced an immigration amnesty programme to encourage irregular migrants to take advantage of the three-month window to legalize their stay.
TimesLIVE
23-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Nigeria automates expatriate permit process to boost efficiency, curb graft
Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process from May 1, a move aimed at significantly speeding up approvals and reducing opportunities for corruption, said interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Critics said the current system for obtaining the combined expatriate residence permit and cards (Cerpac), the mandatory identification and residency document for foreigners working or living in Nigeria, is slow and susceptible to abuse. Previously applicants for residence in Africa's most populous country and energy producer faced a cumbersome process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases and manual document submissions. Tunji-Ojo clarified in a post on X that the government was not increasing application fees but rather streamlining the application and payment systems through automation. During a meeting with business leaders in Lagos last week, 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." This online system is expected to expedite verification and enhance security checks, he said. The government is also targeting the widespread misuse of the expatriate quota system, where companies are allocated a certain number of foreign workers for specific roles. The minister cited instances of quotas being approved for positions readily fillable by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters. 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 include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by businesses, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers. Tunji-Ojo issued a warning to individuals with criminal records, saying the integrated Cerpac system would connect with Interpol and other international security agencies to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for wanted persons. The changes build on earlier reforms, including the automation of Nigeria's electronic visa approval and issuance process announced in February, all taking effect on May 1.
Reuters
22-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Nigeria automates expatriate permit process to boost efficiency, curb graft
LAGOS, April 22 (Reuters) - Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process from May 1, a move aimed at significantly speeding up approvals and reducing opportunities for corruption, the Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said. Critics say the current system for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Cards (CERPAC) - the mandatory identification and residency document for foreigners working or living in Nigeria, is slow and susceptible to abuse. here. Previously, applicants for residence in Africa's most populous country and energy producer faced a cumbersome process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions. Tunji-Ojo clarified in a post on X that the government was not increasing application fees but rather streamlining the application and payment systems through automation. During a meeting with business leaders in Lagos last week, 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." This online system is expected to expedite verification and enhance security checks, he said. The government is also targeting the widespread misuse of the expatriate quota system, where companies are allocated a certain number of foreign workers for specific roles. The minister cited instances of quotas being approved for positions readily fillable by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters. 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 include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by businesses, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers. Tunji-Ojo issued a warning to individuals with criminal records, stating that the integrated CERPAC system would connect with Interpol and other international security agencies to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for wanted persons. These changes build on earlier reforms, including the automation of Nigeria's electronic visa approval and issuance process announced in February, all taking effect on May 1.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Nigeria automates expatriate permit process to boost efficiency, curb graft
LAGOS, - Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process from May 1, a move aimed at significantly speeding up approvals and reducing opportunities for corruption, the Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said. Critics say 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. Previously, applicants for residence in Africa's most populous country and energy producer faced a cumbersome process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions. Tunji-Ojo clarified in a post on X that the government was not increasing application fees but rather streamlining the application and payment systems through automation. During a meeting with business leaders in Lagos last week, 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." This online system is expected to expedite verification and enhance security checks, he said. The government is also targeting the widespread misuse of the expatriate quota system, where companies are allocated a certain number of foreign workers for specific roles. The minister cited instances of quotas being approved for positions readily fillable by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters. 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 include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by businesses, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers. Tunji-Ojo issued a warning to individuals with criminal records, stating that the integrated CERPAC system would connect with Interpol and other international security agencies to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for wanted persons. These changes build on earlier reforms, including the automation of Nigeria's electronic visa approval and issuance process announced in February, all taking effect on May 1.
Russia Today
27-02-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
African state launches online visa approval
Nigeria has announced the automation of its electronic visa approval and issuance process to improve efficiency and attract more tourists and business visitors. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the announcement on Tuesday, saying the new system will enable travelers to apply online and receive visa approvals in 24 to 48 hours. The initiative aims to eliminate long wait times at Nigerian airports and address issues caused by intermediaries who assist travelers in navigating bureaucratic processes. Once approved, electronic visas will be sent directly to applicants via email, removing the need for a physical visa sticker upon arrival. Tunji-Ojo introduced the policy following a meeting with the director-general of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu. 'The proposed visa policy aims to enhance the ease of doing business, boost tourism, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries,' the minister wrote on X. Concerns had emerged over reports that Nigeria was discontinuing its Visa-on-Arrival program, causing mixed reactions among investors and the international community. However, the minister confirmed that the policy remains in place, with additional security checks, including pre-arrival clearance via Interpol and other background-check systems. The new system is an upgrade rather than a replacement for Nigeria's Visa-on-Arrival program, which remains active, Audu said. Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the government has prioritized improving its visa processing system for foreigners and simplifying passport issuance for Nigerians. This includes setting up a contactless passport application system for Nigerians living abroad. Meanwhile, Washington has published its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from participating nations to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. No African countries were included on the list.
