Delays, greater scrutiny likely to follow suspension of immigration official

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The comptroller-general of Nigeria Immigration Service has been suspended for hiring 1,600 inspectors and assistants without authorization. In addition, Nigerian missions abroad are on alert after an extremist associated with Daesh, or ISIS, attempted to travel with a Nigerian visa that was apparently obtained in Lebanon.

What does the change mean? Work permit applicants are likely to face delays, and Nigerian consulates will be scrutinizing visa applicants more closely, particularly in regional hot spots.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Visas, work permits.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for visas from Nigerian consulates
• Impact on processing times: Applicants should expect delays.
• Business impact: Employers and foreign employees may have to adjust their schedules because of the processing delays.

Background: In a letter dated Aug. 21, the Ministry of Interior suspended the comptroller-general of NIS for insubordination and improper behavior for appointing 700 assistant inspectors and 900 immigration assistants without approval. An interim comptroller-general has been appointed to fill the position during the reorganization.

BAL Analysis: The reshuffling may take some time to resolve. Companies and foreign employees should file applications as early as possible and anticipate greater scrutiny by NIS and Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad.

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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