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It is one of the biggest immigration reform measures in Nigeria’s recent history, as the e-CERPAC system has been fully implemented. The new system will streamline the process to enhance efficiency, security, and adherence with regulations by adopting a fully digital pre-arrival approval system, rather than relying on the post-arrival regularization process.
Changes are recommended to be planned before anyone goes on vacation from Nigeria, especially multinational companies, HR units or foreign professionals traveling to Nigeria. The new regulations on immigration processes would require expatriates to go through the important steps of immigration before arriving in the country as opposed to after arriving.
What Has Changed Under the e-CERPAC System?
In the past many foreign workers came to Nigeria on temporary visas and went for paper-based regularization at their local immigration offices. This often led to delays in processing time and administrative delays.
With the new e-CERPAC system, an applicant will have to receive digital approval prior to travel. Upon approval, they will have a 30-day digital certificate of entry. Immigration officers check biometric data when they arrive at the airport and then issue the actual e-CERPAC card without any further application seeking after arrival.
e-CERPAC Validity, Fees and Renewal
e-CERPAC is an official identity card and residence permit for expatriates in Nigeria. Normally valid for one year and may be entered a number of times within that time.
Renewal applications must be made electronically, at least 30 days before the expiry of their permission to stay. Otherwise, they may face a penalty if they overstay or lose their immigration status. The normal government permit fee of US$2,000 must be paid for in Naira with compulsory expatriate insurance.
Stronger Expatriate Quota Enforcement
An integration of the dual digital immigration system with the Expatriate Administration System of Nigeria has now been put in place, which enables government authorities to check if foreign workers hold approved Expatriate Quota jobs.
Companies have to explain the rationale for needing a foreign specialist for each approved position. Employers are also required to have two qualified Nigerian understudies in every expatriate position to facilitate transfer of knowledge and enhance training of the local population.
Digital Entry and Exit Procedures
Nigeria has also modernised their border processes by scrapping their traditional paper border landing and exit documents for online submission. Now travelers will have to fill out digital forms on arrival and departure.
The e-CERPAC card will have a QR code linked to the EAS database; this can be used by immigration officers to check residence status in real-time during the border inspection.
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What Employers Should Do?
It is important for businesses hiring foreign workers to attend to their immigration compliance process right away. Time to process a digital application should be added to recruitment cycles prior to travel.
HR departments should regularly review expatriate quota allocations, keep understudy records completely updated, and notify employees using reminders before expatriate permits expire. These are ways to minimize the chances for penalties and stop down time.
FAQs
What is e-CERPAC?
The e-CERPAC is Nigeria’s electronic CAR and e-CRP. It is valid as a residence permit and a proper ID card for foreign workers who are eligible to apply for it.
Did Nigeria end the regularization of immigrants after arrival?
Yes. This means for foreign professionals, the approval process is now digital (e-CERPAC) with no more approval system on arrival in Nigeria.
What is the e-CERPAC’s validity period?
The e-CERPAC generally is valid for 1 year with the possibility of more than one entry during the validity period as long as all immigration conditions are fulfilled.
