In a bid to enhance regulatory measures, companies violating the newly instituted Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) policy in Nigeria now face substantial fines of N3 million for each offense, as disclosed by reliable sources.
The outlined offenses encompass failure to submit the EEL, non-registration of employees, corporate entities neglecting to renew EEL within the stipulated 30-day period, and the provision of false information on EEL submissions.
Introduced by President Bola Tinubu on February 28, 2024, the EEL aims to bridge wage disparities between expatriates and the Nigerian workforce while fostering increased employment opportunities for qualified local individuals within foreign-operated companies.
Under the policy, companies must adhere to stringent guidelines, with penalties ranging from N3,000,000 for failure to file EEL within the designated timeframe, register an employee promptly, or provide accurate information on EEL submissions.
Moreover, the handbook reveals that companies employing expatriates will be required to pay $15,000 for directors and $10,000 for other categories.
Issuing a notice, the Ministry of Interior declared the EEL card as a mandatory document akin to a passport, mandatory for expatriates entering or leaving the country.
Compliance with the policy is expected by April 15, 2024, as announced by the ministry on its official website. The EEL card holds significance for lawful exits and entries into Nigeria, emphasizing its pivotal role in the expatriate employment landscape.
