In keeping with the idea of the world as a global village, along with more fluid definitions of citizenship and International migration, immigration(which is simply the process of relocating to other countries with the intention of citizenship acquisition) has come to stay in the 21st century.
This explains why countries have well established legal frameworks to effectively regulate and ensure safety in immigration, which on the flip side can lead to illegal migrations that pose a risk to the security and well-being of the host country.
This article will be focused on the Regulatory Framework governing Immigration in Nigeria, with a focus on :-
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– Which laws and government agencies control immigration in Nigeria.
– The Visa categories available in Nigeria.
– The acceptable methods of Visa application in Nigeria.
– Grounds for the rejection of Visa applications in Nigeria.
What makes up the Regulatory Framework governing Immigration in Nigeria?
The Regulatory Framework governing Immigration in Nigeria is made up of :-
– The Immigration Act of 2015.
– The Immigration Regulations of 2017.
– The New Visa Policy (NVP) 2020.
– The Ministry of the Interior.
– The Nigerian Immigration Service.
– The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
What are the visa categories currently available in Nigeria?
Visas in Nigeria are currently grouped into 3(Three) which are :-
– Short Visit Visas(SVVs) :- Which generally last for a maximum period of 90 days and are granted for the purpose of making visits, tourist holidays and for the purpose of coming to Nigeria to render specialized services.
This visa category has at least 28 Visa subclasses.
– Temporary Residence Visas (TRVs) :- Visas under this category last for a maximum period of 2 years and are usually for the purposes of employment, business set-up and academic tourism.
– Permanent Residence Visas (PRVs) :- Visas granted under this category last 5 years or more are usually granted to investors and highly skilled individuals.
What are the acceptable modes of Visa application in Nigeria?
Visas in Nigeria can be applied for in the following ways :-
– Online/e-Visa Applications :- These are applications carried out on the Nigerian Immigration Service online portal which will entitle the applicant to an eTAL(Electronic Travel Authorization Letter).
This application option is available for SVV subclasses such as transit visas, journalist visas and visas for staff of international NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations).
– Visa applications on arrival :- These are visas applications allowed at all Nigerian entry points usually open to frequent business travellers, passport holders/citizens of African Union (AU) member states, and emergency/relief workers.
– Applications at Nigerian Diplomatic Missions or Embassies :- This application method is available for all visa categories and made online via submitting with the Visa application supporting documents.
Applications of this nature can also be carried out at recognized visa application offices in some countries.
Can entry into Nigeria be denied to foreigners and if so, on what grounds?
Yes, entry into Nigeria can be denied to foreigners on the basis of :-
– Categorization as a prohibited immigrant.
– Having no valid visa.
– On health grounds (the prevention of public health outbreaks or epidemics).
How do i find out more about the immigration and citizenship acquisition regulations of Nigeria and other countries?
You can find out more about the available visa categories in other countries and more about Nigerian Immigration laws by booking a Consultation with an immigration lawyer.