- Digital CERPAC platform will eliminate physical forms for expatriate permits starting from August 1, NIS announces.
- Applicants with pending submissions advised to finalise by July 31 or risk application and payment invalidation.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the rollout of a digital application portal for the combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC), effective from August 1.
The spokesperson for the service, Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
He said the initiative is part of the federal government’s wider reform agenda to enhance transparency, efficiency and access to immigration services.
According to him, the new platform will enable applicants to complete their CERPAC process online without using physical forms.
“With effect from August 1, physical CERPAC forms will no longer be accepted,” Akinlabi said.
“All CERPAC applications after July 31 must be submitted solely through the online portal.”
He explained that the transition to digital processing is aimed at easing the process for individuals and companies sponsoring expatriates.
The spokesperson urged those who have paid but not submitted their forms to do so before July 31 to avoid forfeiting their application status and payment.
“Similarly, individuals and companies with pending submissions are strongly encouraged to complete all processes within the stipulated timeline to avoid any inconvenience,” he said.
“Any form not submitted before the deadline will be rendered void and invalid.”
Akinlabi said enquiries related to the digital migration should be directed to the office of the public relations officer.
He assured the public that the service remains committed to building a tech-driven system in line with global best practices.