Latest news with #Tunji-Ojo
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.
