The Bayelsa Command of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Monday announced the abolition of re-entry visas for expatriates with valid resident permits.

Mr Sule Wunti, Bayelsa Commander of NIS said at an interactive session with expatriates and companies employing foreign nationals at the Command’s office in Yenagoa.

Wunti said that the Immigration Service organised the forum to update the stakeholders on the reforms aimed at attracting Direct Foreign Investments to Nigeria and to align with international best practices.

“With Effect from April 6, 2015, re-entry visa ceases to be a requirement for the purpose of re-admitting any foreigner who is legally resident in Nigeria.

“The possession of a valid Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alliens Card (CERPAC), in addition to other travel documents shall suffice for purpose of re-entry into Nigeria,” he said.

Wunti explained that henceforth holders of temporary CERPAC receipts shall be allowed for up to a period of 90 days subject to valid expatriate quota.

However, Accredited Diplomats in various Foreign Missions shall continue to enjoy the issuance of re-entry visas within the period of their accreditation as they were exempted from holding CERPAC.

Representatives of various companies in the construction oil and gas and tourism sectors operating in Bayelsa attended the forum.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Gbuuga, Zonal Coordinator, Zone G Headquarters of NIS in Benin assured the foreigners and all employers of expatriates that the Immigration Service was poised to make their stay in the country conducive.

He said that the visa reforms have reduced bottlenecks and delays previously associated with issuance of resident permits and assured that the Immigration Service will continue to upgrade its services to stakeholders.

He disclosed that the immigration commands have been empowered to produce and issue CERPAC.

•Photo shows NIS Comptroller-General, David Paradang.