NIS rolls out digital expatriate residence permit platform

The Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) is set to launch a new digital platform on August 1 to streamline the application process for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card(CERPAC), making it easier and faster for expatriates to apply.

The service announced this on Wednesday in Abuja in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akinsola Akinlabi.

Akinlabi said the development aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reform the NIS and improve the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of its services.

He said that the new portal, accessible at https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng, was designed to enable applicants submit their CERPAC applications online without the need for physical forms.

According to him, effective from August 1, the use of physical CERPAC forms will be discontinued.

“All CERPAC applications after July 31 must be submitted solely through the online portal,‘’ he said.

The NIS spokesman said the digital transition aimed to improve the user experience and ensure a seamless application process for individuals and corporate organisations assuming immigration responsibility for expatriates.

Akinlabi advised applicants who have paid but have yet to submit their CERPAC forms to do so on or before July 31, to avoid losing their application status and associated payments.

“Similarly, individuals and companies with pending submissions are strongly encouraged to complete all processes within the stipulated timeline to avoid any inconvenience.

“All enquiries and correspondence related to this transition should be directed to the service through the office of the Public Relations Officer,” he said.

Akinlabi, however, reaffirmed the service commitment to delivering more efficient and technology-driven immigration services in line with global best practices.

The Service has been undergoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s government, one of which is the replacement of the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) system with an e-Visa system.

Persecondnews reports that the fully digital e-Visa platform allows individual, group and family applications, aiming to improve national security, simplify visa processing and eliminate manual processes.