Further to the enactment of the Nigerian Immigration Act 2015 ("Immigration Act"), the Honourable Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (retired), launched the new Immigration Regulations 2017 (the "Regulation") today, March 20, 2017.

The Regulation will assist in the implementation of the Immigration Act as well as strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Immigration Service to tackle migration related problems and ensure strict compliance with extant provisions of the law with particular focus on checking human trafficking, border security and employment of Immigrants.

The Regulation, which is likely to take effect immediately, shall affect, inter alia, all Foreign Visas/Permits.

Whilst we conduct a robust review of the Regulation, Companies, HR's and Immigration Advisors should be aware of this development and its potential impact on their businesses.

Originally published March 20, 2017

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