EXPATRIATE QUOTA ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA: Curbing Expatriate Quota Abuse
EXPATRIATE QUOTA ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA: Curbing Expatriate Quota Abuse
Under existing legal regulations, an Expatriate Quota (EQ) must be issued to the company employing an expatriate by the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) before it can employ such an expatriate to work in Nigeria.
In simple terms, an EQ is an authorization permit issued by the Nigerian government through the FMI to companies that have fulfilled the prerequisites for engaging expatriates on a long-term basis. It is not granted automatically but is subject to meeting certain qualification criteria. These include evidence of a shortage of required skill set in Nigeria and commitment to developing the same locally by employing Nigerians to understudy the expatriates employed. This is designed to prevent the indiscriminate employment of expatriates where there are suitably qualified Nigerians to fill such positions.
EQs are initially issued with 3 (three) years validity in the first instance and thereafter renewable every two years until the expiration of its 7 (seven) year lifespan. EQs are fundamental for the facilitation of long-term or recurring employment of expatriate personnel and without such approval, any company employing an expatriate does so ultra vires or illegally.