Nationwide work-permit verification put on hold

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change?  A nationwide government audit of work permits that ran March 14-31 is now on hold, but may be resumed in the future.

What does the change mean? Companies that have not yet submitted their foreign employees’ long-term work permits (known locally as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card, or CERPAC) to the Nigeria Immigration Service for verification should be prepared to do so in the event that the review resumes.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Long-term work permits (CERPACs).
• Who is affected: Nigerian companies employing foreign workers holding CERPACs.
• Business impact: The review is aimed at cracking down on abuse of long-term work authorization.
• Next steps: BAL will report if the review process begins again, as well as any related deadlines.

Background: The Nigeria Immigration Service announced the nationwide audit last month, requiring employers to submit their CERPACs and supporting documentation between March 14 and 31 for verification. The agency announced March 31 that the exercise is on hold, and indicated it may announce a forthcoming resumption date.

BAL Analysis: Companies that submitted their CERPACs and completed the verification process with the Immigration Service last month are expected to be exempt from any further verification procedures in the event that the review restarts.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Nigeria. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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