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In a significant step towards deepening regulatory transparency and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s immigration framework, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Session on 20th October 2025.
Introduction
In a significant step towards deepening regulatory transparency and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s immigration framework, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Session on 20th October 2025.
The programme, which focused on the implementation of the Expatriate Quota Reform, the New Visa Regime, and the Post-Amnesty Programme, brought together key industry stakeholders and policy leaders to deliberate on evolving compliance standards and operational reforms shaping the future of expatriate management in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Interior was represented by the Director (Citizenship and Business), who provided clarity on recent policy changes and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving process efficiency through digital transformation and accountability measures.
The Immigration Team of Jackson, Etti & Edu was in attendance, and below are the notable highlights and key takeaways from the session.
1. Expatriate Quota (EQ) Applications
To streamline approvals and eliminate administrative bottlenecks, all Expatriate Quota (EQ) applications must now be accompanied by immediate payment of the statutory fee per quota position upon submission.
Approval letters will be issued electronically via email, eliminating the need for physical collection at the Federal Ministry of Interior.
Additionally, renewal applications must be submitted at least six months before expiry, ensuring that approvals for renewals are issued before expiry.
2. Monthly Returns
The NIS has introduced a semi-digital process for monthly returns. Companies must upload reports through their online portals but must first submit hard copies for stamping at the NIS before uploading the stamped versions.
The Director (Citizenship and Business) acknowledged the current bureaucratic challenges but noted that the Ministry is working towards a fully digital platform in the near term.
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Important Notice: The information contained in this Article is intended for general information purposes only and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It is not intended as legal advice from Jackson, Etti, & Edu (JEE) or the individual author(s), nor intended as a substitute for legal advice on any specific subject matter. Detailed legal counsel should be sought prior to undertaking any legal matter. The information contained in this Article is current to the last update and may change. Last Update: October 1, 2024.
