Starting May 1, Nigeria will fully automate its expatriate residence permit process, a move aimed at accelerating approvals and curbing corruption, according to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The current system for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Card (CERPAC) – the essential identification and residency document for foreigners living or working in Nigeria – has been criticized for its slow pace and vulnerability to abuse.
Previously, applicants had to navigate a cumbersome process involving visits to banks, physical form purchases, and manual document submissions.
Tunji-Ojo clarified in a post on X that the automation wouldn’t result in higher application fees, but instead would streamline both the application and payment systems.
“With this reform, the era of going to the bank, purchasing forms, and physically submitting documents is over,” Tunji-Ojo announced during a meeting with business leaders in Lagos last week. “Everything will now be processed online, with QR-coded digital copies and backend integration with security systems to verify criminal records and immigration history.”
The new system aims to expedite verification processes and enhance security checks.
In addition, the government plans to address the misuse of the expatriate quota system, which allocates a limited number of foreign workers to specific positions. The minister pointed out that quotas were often granted for positions that could easily be filled by Nigerians, such as drivers and waiters.
The reforms will focus on approving quotas only for positions requiring specialized skills unavailable locally. Companies will also be required to submit progress reports on knowledge transfer to Nigerian employees through a mandatory understudy program.
Other key reforms include the introduction of a mandatory expatriate insurance scheme, funded by employers, to cover repatriation costs and personal liability for foreign workers.
Tunji-Ojo also warned that the new integrated CERPAC system would be connected with international security agencies like Interpol to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for fugitives.
These changes follow the earlier announcement of the automation of Nigeria’s electronic visa approval and issuance process, which will also take effect on May 1.