Companies found in violation of the new Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) policy will face a penalty of N3 million for each offense, according to information obtained by The PUNCH. Offenses under this policy include failure to submit the EEL, failure to register an employee, failure by a corporate entity to renew the EEL within 30 days, and providing false information regarding the EEL. The Expatriate Employment Levy is a financial contribution imposed on employers who hire foreign workers, primarily targeting expatriates' offshore earnings to ensure equitable contributions to Nigeria's economic growth and workforce development.

President Bola Tinubu officially launched the policy on February 28, 2024, with the aim of bridging wage disparities between expatriates and Nigerian workers while creating more job opportunities for qualified Nigerians in foreign-owned companies operating in the country. However, a handbook reviewed by a correspondent revealed that offenses such as providing inaccurate or incomplete information could also lead to penalties.

According to the handbook, failure by a corporate entity to file the EEL within 30 days, failure to register an employee within the same period, falsification of information on the EEL, or failure to renew the EEL within 30 days will all result in a fine of N3 million each. Additionally, the handbook outlines specific amounts that companies must pay for employing expatriates, such as $15,000 for directors and $10,000 for other categories.

The Ministry of Interior issued a notice on its website stating that the EEL card is a mandatory document similar to a passport, required for expatriates entering or leaving the country. The ministry set April 15 as the deadline for compliance with the new policy, urging companies to familiarize themselves with the handbook and user manual available on the portal for further details and registration of their company and expatriates. The notice emphasized the mandatory nature of the EEL card and its necessity for lawful entry and exit from the country.

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