Nigeria joins Namibia, Mexico, Slovenia, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and more countries in revolutionizing the work permit and travel systems by introducing a fully digital platform for Temporary Work Permit (TWP) applications. This shift allows foreign workers to apply and pay online before arrival, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for physical endorsements. With these digital solutions, countries are significantly improving the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of work permits, offering both employers and workers a smoother experience while strengthening global mobility.
As countries worldwide move towards embracing technology, many are modernizing their immigration and work permit systems. One of the most significant shifts has been the digitalization of Temporary Work Permits (TWP) and visas, which aim to simplify the process for foreign workers and employers alike. Nigeria, joining a growing list of nations, is now offering a digital platform for its Temporary Work Permit applications. This, along with similar initiatives in countries like Namibia, Mexico, Slovenia, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and more, marks a significant transformation in the global travel and work permit system.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out a fully online system for Temporary Work Permit (TWP) applications. This marks a major departure from the previous manual system, where applicants had to be physically present in Nigeria to complete their application process. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of this new system:
In addition to this digital platform, the Nigerian government has also introduced a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance scheme. Employers are now required to cover personal liability and repatriation costs for their foreign employees. This new insurance requirement, which applies to several categories of foreign workers, ensures that employers take full responsibility for their expatriates’ welfare while in Nigeria.
With the new online system, foreign workers no longer need to wait until they reach Nigeria to initiate the work permit process. Instead, they can complete the application from their home country, enabling employers to plan project timelines and assign tasks more efficiently. The digital process also reduces paperwork, eliminates the need for in-person visits, and improves overall efficiency.
Employers will find the process more transparent and easier to track. With the added insurance responsibility, businesses hiring foreign workers must ensure compliance with the new regulations to avoid penalties.
Nigeria is not alone in making the move towards digital work permits. Many other countries have already taken steps to digitize their immigration systems, creating easier pathways for foreign workers. Below is an overview of other countries that have embraced digital work permit systems:
The UAE has introduced an AI-powered system named “Eye” to fully automate the issuance of work permits. This system reduces human involvement, minimizes errors, and accelerates processing times. The UAE’s digital transformation efforts have made it easier for foreign workers to apply for work permits, speeding up approval and allowing employers to access real-time updates.
In October 2025, Thailand launched the “e-Work Permit” platform, which made it mandatory for all foreign workers and their employers to use this online system for work permit applications and registrations. The platform aims to streamline the process, reduce paperwork, and speed up approvals.
Slovenia, beginning in November 2025, is introducing its first-ever digital nomad visa, allowing eligible remote workers from non-EU countries to live in Slovenia for up to one year. Applicants must meet specific income thresholds and work for international clients or foreign-based companies.
Kuwait has launched a new digital service through its unified “Sahel” app, enabling citizens and residents to verify the status of domestic worker visas before initiating recruitment. This tool aims to prevent visa duplication, reduce rejections, and ensure greater transparency in the recruitment process.
In 2024, South Africa introduced its Remote Work Visa, also known as the Digital Nomad Visa. This visa allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in South Africa for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. The application process is fully digital and managed through the Department of Home Affairs’ ePermits system.
Kenya, in October 2024, launched its Digital Nomad Work Permit. This allows remote workers earning at least $55,000 annually to live and work in Kenya temporarily. The application process is fully online, making it easier for foreign workers to set up in the country.
Namibia offers a Short-Term Employment Permit for foreign workers who intend to stay in the country for up to six months. The application process is handled through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration’s online portal, allowing for seamless submissions and tracking.
Ireland has introduced a new Employment Permit application platform called “Employment Permits Online” (EPO) as of April 2025. This platform includes two-factor authentication and the ability to electronically sign and track applications.
Canada has developed a comprehensive digital platform for Temporary Work Permits, managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Key aspects of this system include an online application process, an employer portal, and secure document uploads for applicants.
Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM) has introduced digital processing for its Temporary Resident Visa, often referred to as the “Digital Nomad Visa,” which allows remote workers to live and work in Mexico for extended periods.
The shift towards digital platforms for work permits represents a broader trend in modernizing immigration systems globally. These systems make it easier for foreign workers to move across borders and start new opportunities without the previous bureaucratic hurdles. By embracing digital systems, countries are not only improving efficiency but also enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and making it simpler for both workers and employers to navigate the process.
For both expatriates and companies hiring foreign talent, these changes bring significant benefits:
Nigeria joins Namibia, Mexico, Slovenia, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and more countries in digitizing work permits to streamline applications and enhance efficiency for foreign workers and employers. This shift eliminates the need for in-person visits, simplifying the process and improving transparency.
As more countries follow the lead of Nigeria, Namibia, Mexico, Slovenia, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, and others in digitizing their work permit systems, the global workforce will benefit from more streamlined, transparent, and efficient processes. These digital shifts are paving the way for a future where borders are less of a barrier to international work opportunities, enhancing the mobility and flexibility of workers across the globe. For businesses, adapting to these new systems will be crucial in maintaining compliance and leveraging the full potential of the global talent pool. (TTW)
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
