The Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) has introduced a non-renewable ‘Brown’ Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens (CERPAC) card that allows eligible foreign nationals who are; of African descent; foreign investors; experts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, sports and other specific industries; or the spouse of a Nigerian woman for at least one year, to reside and work in Nigeria indefinitely. The government has not published ‘Brown’ CERPAC card application details and procedures. Prior to the development of the separate ‘Brown’ CERPAC card, foreign nationals were eligible for a ‘Green’ CERPAC card, which has a definitive validity depending on the activities performed. The ‘Green’ CERPAC will remain available to applicants not eligible for the ‘Brown’ CERPAC card. In addition to this change, the NIS has appointed an acting Comptroller-General of immigration, which may result in delays in pending immigration application processing times and forthcoming changes to immigration policies and processes. We will report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.
Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.
Media mentions
Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.
Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.
Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.
Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.
Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.
Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.
Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.
Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.
Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.
Media mentions
Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.
Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.
Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.
Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.
Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.
Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.
Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.
Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.