IMMIGRATION ACT, 2015

An Act regulates the entry, residence, and deportation of foreigners, as well as the issuance of travel documents to Nigerians. It targets foreign nationals, Nigerian citizens, and the Immigration Service. This manages borders and facilitates secure travel.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's principal legislation governing the entry, residence, and deportation of foreigners, the issuance of travel documents to Nigerians, and the regulation of immigration services.

Who Does It Target?

Foreign nationals entering, residing in, or departing Nigeria Nigerian citizens seeking passports and travel documents The Nigeria Immigration Service Employers of foreign nationals

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Regulate immigration into and out of Nigeria, protect Nigeria's borders, manage the residence and work authorisation of foreigners, and facilitate the issuance of Nigerian travel documents.

Key Features

Entry and Exit Control: Establishes the legal basis for controlling who enters and exits Nigeria at all ports of entry. Residence Permits: Provides a framework for Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) for foreigners residing in Nigeria. Deportation: Empowers the Comptroller General of Immigration to deport foreigners who violate immigration laws. Nigerian Passports: Governs the issuance, validity, and revocation of Nigerian passports and travel documents.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide and all points of entry Beneficiaries: Nigerians through border security; legitimate travellers through streamlined services Funding: Passport and permit fees; Federal Government

How to Access

Foreigners must hold valid visas and residence permits Nigerian passports issued at NIS offices nationwide and through the e-Passport system Employers of foreigners must obtain expatriate quota approval Application method: Apply for passports and permits at https://www.immigration.gov.ng

Important Terms

Overstaying a visa is an immigration offence Employers of unregistered foreigners face penalties CERPAC must be renewed annually

Official Resources

Website: https://www.immigration.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Immigration Service

Legal Framework

The Immigration Act 2015 is the primary legislation governing immigration in Nigeria. It operates under the 1999 Constitution (Section 41 — freedom of movement), the Nigeria Immigration Service Act, and the National Identity Management Commission Act. The Act aligns with the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the African Union's Migration Policy Framework for Africa, and Nigeria's bilateral readmission agreements with foreign countries. The Trafficking in Persons Act 2015 complements immigration enforcement.