Nigerian Immigration Lawyers Association (NILA) Submits Comments On The Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) Policy
The Legislative Advocacy & Law Reform Committee of the Nigerian Immigration Layers Association (NILA) has submitted a formal Comment on the suspension of the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo.
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Interior had recently launched the Expatriate Employment Levy. From the EEL Policy Guidelines issued by the Ministry, the amount payable as EEL is €13755.05 USD for Directors and €9170.03 USD for other categories of expatriate staff. The policy requires expatriates to possess an EEL Card for entry and exit.
However, following mixed reactions from Stakeholders regarding its feasibility, cost, implementation etcetera, the Ministry of Interior announced the suspension of the Implementation of the Policy. NILA noted in its Comment that the intended objectives of the policy seem laudable but that specific questions remain. The Association raised some pertinent questions and argued that clarifying these questions is essential for stakeholders to make informed decisions.
NILA commended the decision of the Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Olubunmi Ojo to suspend the policy. It also stated that the establishment of a joint committee, consisting of government officials and other stakeholders to review the policy is seen as a positive development and a demonstration of the fact that the government is sensitive to the concerns of stakeholders and willing to adapt policies to achieve a win-win outcome.
NILA is a voluntary association of lawyers, law teachers and policy advocates practicing, teaching and researching in the field of immigration law in Nigeria. Its mission includes the promotion and enhancement of the development of fair and reasonable immigration laws and policies in Nigeria.
