Nigeria Launches Online Temporary Work Permit System: Key Changes for Foreign Workers

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has recently rolled out a fully online system for Temporary Work Permit (TWP) applications, changing how foreign nationals and employers handle short-term work arrangements in the country.

Online Applications and Payments Now Accepted

Through the new NIS portal, employers and applicants can now submit work permit applications and make payments electronically before travelling to Nigeria. Once approved, the permit will be digitally linked to the applicant’s entry visa, eliminating the need for physical endorsements in passports.

This is a significant shift. Until now, applicants had to be in Nigeria to complete the process, and work permits were manually stamped into their passports after approval.

By digitising submissions and payments, the NIS aims to make the system faster, easier to track, and more transparent for both companies and expatriates.

What the Change Means for Foreign Workers

For the first time, foreign workers can apply for a Nigerian Temporary Work Permit from outside the country. This update not only simplifies the logistics of short-term assignments but also gives employers more flexibility in planning project timelines and onboarding foreign specialists.

The online process reduces paperwork and in-person visits, bringing Nigeria’s immigration system closer to global digital standards.

New Insurance Requirement for Foreign Employees

Alongside this digital transition, the Ministry of Interior has introduced a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance scheme. Employers hiring foreign nationals under the following categories must now pay for coverage that includes personal liability and repatriation costs.

• Expatriate Quota (EQ)
• CERPAC (Residence/Work Permits)
• Temporary Work Permit (TWP)

The insurance fees range from USD 500 for short-term stays to USD 1,000 for long-term assignments. This reform ensures that employers bear full responsibility for the welfare and potential repatriation expenses of their foreign employees while working in Nigeria.

A Step Toward Modernised Immigration

Together, these updates mark a broader move by the Nigerian government to streamline immigration procedures, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability for companies hiring foreign talent.

For businesses that regularly engage expatriates, adapting to these new online systems and insurance requirements will be crucial for smooth compliance.

Final Words

In short, applying for a Temporary Work Permit in Nigeria just became simpler, faster, and more secure, but employers now carry added responsibilities when hiring foreign professionals.