Work Permits & Employment Eligibility in Nigeria — Know Your Rights

If you are a foreign national looking to work in Nigeria, or an employer hiring non-Nigerians, understanding work permit requirements is essential to staying on the right side of the law. Nigeria's immigration and labour laws set clear rules about who can work, what documents are needed, and what rights workers hold. Failing to comply can result in deportation, fines, or loss of employment.

⚖️ Your Key Rights

• ✓Every foreign national working in Nigeria has the right to obtain the appropriate work permit or visa before commencing employment, and cannot be compelled to work illegally without proper documentation.
• ✓Nigerian citizens have the right to equal consideration for employment and are protected against being displaced by foreign workers where qualified Nigerians are available, under the Nigerian Content policy and immigration regulations.
• ✓A foreign worker holding a valid Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa or Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) has the right to lawful residence and work for the approved employer and role stated on their permit.
• ✓Foreign workers have the right not to be exploited by employers who withhold or confiscate their immigration documents, as this constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and international labour standards.
• ✓Employees — both Nigerian and foreign — have the right to written employment contracts that clearly state their role, salary, and conditions, and these terms must align with what was declared on any work permit application.
• ✓Foreign workers whose permits are denied or revoked have the right to be informed of the reason and, in appropriate circumstances, to appeal or re-apply through the Nigeria Immigration Service.
• ✓Employers must not misrepresent a worker's role or salary on work permit applications; employees have the right to refuse to participate in fraudulent permit applications without facing unlawful retaliation.

🚀 What To Do

1. 1Step 1 — Determine the correct permit type: Before travelling to Nigeria for work, confirm with your employer which permit applies to your situation. Most employees need an STR (Subject to Regularisation) visa to enter Nigeria, which is then converted to a CERPAC once in the country.
2. 2Step 2 — Obtain a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota (for employers): Nigerian employers who wish to hire foreigners must first obtain a Business Permit and an Expatriate Quota approval from the Federal Ministry of Interior. Without this, no valid CERPAC can be issued for the employee.
3. 3Step 3 — Apply for the STR Visa at a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission: The foreign worker applies for an STR visa at the Nigerian diplomatic mission in their home country, submitting required documents including a letter of employment, passport photographs, and a valid passport.
4. 4Step 4 — Convert STR Visa to CERPAC upon arrival: Within 90 days of arriving in Nigeria, the foreign worker must apply to the Nigeria Immigration Service to convert their STR visa into a CERPAC. This card serves as proof of legal residence and work authorisation.
5. 5Step 5 — Renew your CERPAC before it expires: CERPAC permits are typically valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry. Working on an expired permit is illegal and puts both the employee and employer at risk of penalties.
6. 6Step 6 — If your rights are violated, report to the appropriate authority: If you are being exploited, your documents are withheld, or you are being forced to work illegally, contact the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Industrial Court, or a qualified immigration lawyer for immediate assistance.

🔗 Official Resources