The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Wednesday that it would begin nationwide enforcement against persons who overstayed in the country in violations of visa amnesty granted by the government.
The expiration of the Federal Government’s three-month visa amnesty programme begins on October 1, 2025.
The crackdown targets foreign nationals who failed to regularise their immigration status during the grace period.
A statement by the spokesman of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, warned that offenders would face fines, deportation, or lifetime entry bans.
“With the expiration of the amnesty period, effective October 1, 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions,” Akinlabi said.
The enforcement covers a wide category of foreigners, including those with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired single- and multiple-entry short visit or business visas, as well as holders of expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).
According to the NIS, foreigners who have overstayed by less than three months risk removal, a $15 daily fine, or a two-year entry ban.
Those who have overstayed between three months and one year face removal, a $15 daily fine, or a five-year entry ban. Overstayers of one year and above face removal, a 10-year entry ban, or a permanent ban from Nigeria.
The Service said the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security and ensuring lawful migration.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting national interests, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes,” Akinlabi said.
(The Nation)
