Global migration trend compelled FG to replace 54 years immigration policy— Dambazau
The newly presented revised Immigration Regulations 2017 document by the minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) has replaced that of 1963, almost 54 years after.
The minister disclosed that the change tracked the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) quest to address operational challenges aimed at making the service responsive to global migration trend.
The new policy above all seeks to operationalise the Immigration Act, 2015, has replaced the 1963 prescribed merger migration violation fine of hundred naira (N100) with a N1million minimum fine.
This is in addition to terms of imprisonment, ranging from seven to twelve years.
During the official presentation, Dambazau explained that the revised document which contains 80 sections but divided into ten parts will enhance the protection of the Country’s borders against trans-national crimes, particularly, movement of terrorists through fierce collaboration with Interpol.
Dambazau made it clear that the regulation, apart from conforming with the executive order on the ease of doing business in the Country, it will also deepen the use of biometric identity cards (BIC) as well as e-ticketing to boost advanced immigrants information was underway.
Earlier in his remarks, the Comptroller General of NIS, Mohammed Babandede described the achievement as historic and unique noting that until May 21, 2015 when the revised Immigration Acts was enacted, the NIS operated with the 1963 Act which was not only obsolete but grossly inadequate to contain unfolding migratory realities.
Some immigration experts who reviewed the development said the new document will fast track the consolidation of existing Immigration Regulations in Nigeria.
