# AI tells a foreign worker on a Nigerian resident/work permit that they can register a SIM with just a passport like a tourist

- **ID:** `legal/sim-nin-exemption-short-stay-only`
- **Domain:** legal
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Nigeria's NIN-SIM linkage rules split foreigners into two groups: tourists/short visa holders under 24 months can register a SIM with just their passport (no NIN needed), but anyone legally resident in Nigeria on a work or resident permit must obtain a full National Identification Number (NIN) from NIMC and link it, the same as citizens.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Match your SIM registration method to your actual immigration status, and re-register when that status changes.** (85% success)
   ```
   Tourists/short visits (under 24 months): register at any network operator outlet using your passport bio-data page (plus, per NIMC rules, embassy or visa documentation showing the stay is under 24 months). Work/resident permit holders: enroll for a NIN at an NIMC centre using your valid residence/work permit, then link the NIN to your SIM. If your status changes from visitor to resident, redo the registration under the resident rules before your old registration is challenged.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **As a foreign employee on a Nigerian work/resident permit, register a personal SIM with only your passport, assuming the tourist-visitor exemption applies to you too** — The Nigerian Communications Commission's rules exempt only foreigners on a tourist or visiting visa (or otherwise resident under 24 consecutive months) from NIN; legally resident foreigners with work or resident permits must obtain a NIN via NIMC enrolment centres and link it to their SIM, exactly like Nigerian citizens. (60% fail)
- **Keep using a SIM that was registered under someone else's NIN or under the passport-only tourist exemption after your immigration status changes to a work/resident permit** — NCC guidance explicitly states that when a visiting foreigner's or tourist's immigration status changes to residency or a work permit, the line must be re-registered: the holder is required to obtain a NIN and link it to that SIM, or risk the line being barred in later compliance sweeps. (50% fail)