Immigration Gives Clarification on Abolition of Re-entry Visa

The Nigerian Immigration (NIS) has issued further clarification on their recent publication on the abolition of re-entry visa signed by the Comptroller General, David Shikfu Parradang.

NIS in a statement signed yesterday by the Public Relations Officer, Chukwuemeka Obuah, said with effect from April 6, possession of re-entry visa ceases to be a requirement for the purpose of re-admitting into the country.

According to Obuah, it applies to the following categories of foreigners resident in Nigeria; holders of valid Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), and their duly documented dependants, and holders of temporary CERPAC receipts purchased for the purpose of processing their legal residence.

He said: “Niger wife/Persons on Special Immigrant Status. The endorsement of Niger wife or Special Immigrant Status on the passports of foreign women and men married to Nigerians as the case may be shall suffice for purpose of re-entry visa.

“Also expatriates who are in the employ of government institutions are also exempted from the requirement of reentry visa for the purpose of re-admittance into Nigeria.”

“Re-entry visa is issued to this category of persons who are not subject to CERPAC requirement to enable them travel out and return to Nigeria. Those on business visa and other short visit facilities who wish to travel out and later return within the validity of their visa are to contact the office of the Comptroller General for possible issuance of visa-on-arrival facility,” he added.

However, Obuah noted that all accredited diplomats and their duly registered dependants in Foreign Missions in Nigeria shall continue to enjoy the issuance of re-entry visas (gratis) within the period of their accreditation.

He explained that new reform is in line with global best practice and government’s quest for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).