Nigeria joins the global trend with a new online work permit system, streamlining applications for foreign workers and employers while boosting transparency.
Nigeria has officially launched a fully digital Temporary Work Permit (TWP) system, joining a growing list of nations modernizing their immigration and labor processes. The move aims to simplify the entry of foreign professionals, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve transparency across the country’s work visa framework.
The new system, introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), allows foreign workers and employers to apply for and pay for permits entirely online before arriving in the country. Once approved, the permit is digitally linked to the applicant’s entry visa, eliminating the need for in-person visits or physical passport stamps.
Authorities say the digital shift will make it easier for foreign specialists and companies operating in Nigeria to manage projects efficiently. “This upgrade enhances convenience, security, and accountability in line with international best practices,” an NIS spokesperson said.
Under the new process, applicants can complete every stage of their work permit application from abroad, a sharp departure from the previous manual system that required physical presence in Nigeria. The NIS also promises faster approval times and real-time tracking for employers and workers.
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In a related reform, Nigeria has introduced a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance Scheme. Employers must now provide insurance coverage for foreign employees, including personal liability and repatriation costs—part of broader efforts to strengthen labor protections and compliance.
Nigeria’s decision follows a global shift toward digital work authorization systems. Countries such as Namibia, Mexico, Slovenia, Canada, South Africa, and Thailand have already adopted similar platforms to streamline immigration procedures and encourage international labor mobility.
The United Arab Emirates, for instance, uses an AI-driven system known as “Eye” to process permits, while Thailand’s new “e-Work Permit” platform became mandatory in October 2025. Slovenia and South Africa have also rolled out digital visas for remote workers and freelancers, reflecting the growing flexibility of post-pandemic labor markets.
Experts say these innovations signal a turning point in global employment mobility. Digital work permits are not only faster and cheaper but also harder to forge, making them a crucial tool in tackling visa fraud and improving migration governance.
By embracing the digital system, Nigeria positions itself among the global leaders using technology to ease movement for foreign talent, attract investment, and strengthen its place in an increasingly borderless global workforce.
