March 09, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has suspended the $10,000 and $15,000 expatriate levy imposed on employers.
The expatriate levy is a government-mandated contribution imposed on employers who employ expatriate workers in Nigeria. Introduced by the Ministry of Interior, the Expatriates Employment Levy (EEL) Handbook was launched on February 27, 2024.
The levy, administered by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), imposes $10,000 for an expatriate worker and $15,000 for a director.
However, stakeholders have raised concerns over the levy, pointing out its implications for investors.
On Friday, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, announced a temporary suspension of the levy.
The development was part of resolutions reached at a meeting attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Interior.
Others in attendance were the President of NACCIMA, Dele Oye, President of Petroleum Technology Association, President of Special Economic Zones Association, Director-General of The Nigerian Turkiye Business Council, European Union Trade delegation head, NACCIMA Chair of Digital Trade Group and the representatives of the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME).
The meeting held that “the implementation of the Expatriate Employment Levy will be paused, allowing for further consultations with NACCIMA and other vital stakeholders.
“A joint committee comprising members of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Interior, NACCIMA, and other stakeholders will be formed to review the EEL policy.
“The rollout of the EEL, as initially proposed, will be deferred in accordance with the resolutions made.”
“We advise all investors, both current and prospective, to continue with their business activities and investment plans in Nigeria with confidence. The assurances provided by both Ministers during the negotiations have reinforced the Federal Government of Nigeria’s intent to enhance the investment landscape and support economic growth,” NACCIMA added.
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