BREAKING: FG decries expatriate quota policy violation by firms

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, lamented the gross violation of the expatriate quota policy by foreign and local companies in the country. 

Expatriate quota licences are usually issued to foreign, and in some cases, Nigerian firms, to enable them to bring in high-level-skilled manpower that is not readily available in the country.

Speaking during the inauguration of a task force on expatriate quota administration in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, accused some of the expatriates of spending more than the stipulated years in the country and also companies obtaining fake permits for their expatriates among other offences. 

Aregbesola said, “The expatriate quota is a global best practice and a means through which countries protect their economies and stimulate development through healthy interactions with other nations.

“Regrettably, however, there have been abuses and gross violations of this laudable policy. 

“These abuses include, but not limited to; companies employing expatriates without approval from the Ministry and allegations of companies obtaining fake permits for their expatriates; companies half-hearted or non-commitment to grooming Nigerian understudies.

“Others are companies recruiting fewer than required understudies and giving them non-commensurate remunerations; Illegal transfers of approvals between and among firms and expatriates; Failure to train Nigerian understudies up to the standard of the expatriates they are being groomed to replace; and expats staying on their jobs for more than 10 years.“

He said these could lead to untoward consequences of lopsided and imbalanced relationships, foreign domination and stunted development of the host country’s personnel and economy as well as creating a dependency syndrome if not addressed.

“These, in turn, breed resentment, xenophobia and bad blood between nationals and foreigners. We must avoid these,” he added

Aregbesola, however, ordered the task force headed by Bola Ilori should audit all documentary requirements submitted by all Expatriate Quota/Business Permit applicants for approval/renewal from May 29, 2019 to date.

He also directed the task force to verify the compliance with the mandatory requirement of two understudies per expatriate quota position in terms of qualifications and remuneration as well as calculate all fines and penalties due from non-compliance with the terms and conditions among other directives. 

Aregbesola explained that the action of the government was not to witch-hunt or make foreigners  uncomfortable, saying that the move was to protect Nigeria’s economy and promote employment for  citizens.