BLP Immigration Client Alert - Launch of E-CERPAC & Extension of Amnesty Period for Visa Regularization by the Nigeria Immigration Service

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the launch of the digitization of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) procedure effective August 1, 2025. This closely follows the Federal Ministry of Interior (the “Ministry”) recent reforms to Nigeria’s Expatriate Administration System (EAS) and immigration policy framework and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing reforms. From August 1, 2025, all CERPAC applications must be submitted exclusively via a new online portal, and physical forms will be phased out entirely.

In a related development, the NIS in a circular dated July 5 has announced the extension of the Expired Visa Initiative, an amnesty programme for foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas. Initially set to end on August 1, 2025, the grace period now runs until September 30, 2025.