Update on COVID-19 and Immigration Guidelines in Nigeria
This information was provided courtesy of Famsville Solicitors.
Arrival of Migrants with Expired Residency Permits
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) stated in the circular dated May 22, 2020, that visitors and migrants whose permits expired outside the country from the March 20, 2020, will be allowed entry into the country. the returning holder of any expired permits or their dependents should renew their permits within thirty (30) days of arrival to avoid sanctions under the relevant Immigrations laws.
General Information for persons arriving in Nigeria
On the 8th of June, 2020, COVID-19 Response-: Revised Quarantine Protocol was released by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. the protocol provides general information for persons arriving in Nigeria from any country including returnees/stranded Nigerian. The Protocol is divided into the pre-departure/onboard and on arrival in Nigeria. The protocol came into effect from the 8th of June, 2020.
Pre-departure/onboard
1. Passengers arriving/returning to Nigeria must have tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19 (pre-boarding PCR test in country of departure). PCR test MUST be within 2 weeks before departure and preferably not less than 5 days pre-boarding.
2. Onboard, passengers are required to correctly fill in the Health Declaration/Self-Reporting Form & the Sample Collection Time Allocation Form.
On arrival in Nigeria
3. Passengers are to queue orderly and in batches while disembarking to avoid overcrowding.
4. Passengers are to proceed for health screening and fill the health declaration form that will be provided.
5. Passengers are requested to comply with all safety regulations.
6. Persons who have arrived in Nigeria are advised to self-isolate (in their homes or make arrangments for accommodation) for 14 days in the State where the Point of Entry is located (i.e. Lagos or Abuja).
7. Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration System’s Migrants Identification Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and their passports retained until after successful completion of the 14 days self-quarantine.
8. Passengers will be given an appointment time and date to present themselves at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
9. Persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self-quarantine
may return to their States of residence ONLY after:
(a) They have had their samples collected and are NEGATIVE for COVID-19; and
(b) They have provided Public Health Officials with their full and correct address and phone number where they can be reached
10. Persons who have completed the 14 days of self-isolation/quarantine will undergo an exit interview. Their details will be forwarded to the Nigeria Immigration Service for release of their passports. Alternative arrangements can be made to collect passports via Special delivery e.g. DHL.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
