The Nigerian government has announced that it will no longer approve expatriate quotas for companies seeking to hire foreign workers for positions that can be filled by local talent. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that this decision is part of a broader effort to promote local employment and economic development.
Speaking at a recent meeting in Lagos with members of the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that employing foreigners for roles like drivers, cooks, and waiters is counterproductive and will no longer be tolerated. He expressed that it is unacceptable for employers to seek foreign workers for jobs that Nigerian youth are fully capable of performing.
“Let’s stop requesting quotas for positions we have plenty of qualified candidates for,” he stated. “It’s embarrassing to see requests for foreign drivers or waiters when local youths know the roads and culture better.”
The minister clarified that expatriate quotas should only be requested for skilled workers not available within Nigeria, allowing local professionals to gain valuable experience through knowledge transfer. He criticized the practice of labeling underqualified individuals as experts and pointed out that prolonged understudy arrangements are unacceptable.
With Nigeria's population nearing 230 million and around 70% under the age of 30, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the potential of the youth to contribute significantly to the economy. This directive will be part of the new "Expatriate Administration System," set to take effect on May 1, 2025.
Key features of this new policy include the implementation of an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, automated landing and exit cards, an updated expatriate quota framework, and more efficient processing of work permits. The e-Visa system aims to streamline applications, requiring applicants to submit necessary documents electronically while still maintaining in-person interviews for standard visa requests.
Tunji-Ojo also addressed issues with the current visa-on-arrival system, which he described as prone to corruption. The new e-Visa process will ensure quicker processing times, with applications completed within 48 hours.
The updated Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) will also help prevent foreigners with criminal backgrounds from entering the country, as the system will be integrated with Interpol for better tracking. Employers will be held accountable for any immigration violations committed by their expatriate workers.
Under the new regulations, expatriates will need to regularize their employment status, as job changes without proper authorization will be monitored. Additionally, a comprehensive insurance policy will be introduced to cover repatriation costs for immigration violators, reducing the financial burden on the government.
The minister reiterated that anyone who overstays their visa will face fines, with severe penalties for extended overstay periods. A grace period of three months will be provided to allow expatriates to regularize their status before enforcement begins in August.
Tunji-Ojo concluded by urging all foreigners and prospective immigrants to respect Nigeria’s immigration laws, emphasizing that compliance is essential for a harmonious relationship between expatriates and the local community.
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