IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Nigerian officials have announced that applications for temporary work permits may now be submitted by email.

What does the change mean? The changes will ease the application process for foreign nationals working in Nigeria on a specific job over a set period of time.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary work permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals in need of a temporary work permit.
  • Impact on processing times: The option of submitting temporary work permit applications via email should reduce end-to-end processing times because applications submitted by email should be considered within 48 hours of receipt.
  • Next steps: Applications may be submitted to the following email address: oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng.

Background: Temporary work permits allow foreign nationals to enter Nigeria for purposes of completing a specific job over a set period of time. These jobs may include, but are not limited to: installing or repairing machinery, auditing accounts, providing training or completing specialist tasks when a Nigerian national is not available for the job. The Nigeria Immigration Service announced on June 20 that applications would be accepted by email. Once the temporary work permit application is approved, the Nigerian Immigration Service will confirm the approval with the relevant Nigerian diplomatic post so the foreign national can immediately proceed to submit his or her associated visa application in the normal way.

BAL Analysis: Employers should contact BAL with questions about how to apply for temporary work permits by email or about whether a temporary work permit is the best option for the work they need done.

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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