The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has initiated strict enforcement measures targeting foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry regulations.
This action comes immediately after the conclusion of the Federal Government‘s Expired Visa Amnesty program, which officially ended at midnight on September 30, 2025.
During the Amnesty period, foreigners with lapsed immigration documents were given the opportunity to regularize their status in Nigeria without incurring any penalties.
The announcement was made public through a statement issued by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, the Service Public Relations Officer at NIS Headquarters in Abuja.
“Following the closure of the Amnesty window on October 1, 2025, enforcement operations will be implemented nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions,” the statement emphasized.
Background of the Amnesty Program
In early 2025, Nigeria embarked on a comprehensive reform of its immigration framework, which included launching a new visa system. This overhaul introduced an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform, phased out the Visa on Arrival scheme, and automated the processing of landing and exit cards.
Amid these changes, on July 5, 2025, the NIS officially unveiled the Expired Visa Amnesty initiative. The program was designed to run from May 1 to September 30, 2025, providing a grace period for foreigners with expired immigration status to either regularize their stay, depart the country, or update their documentation without facing penalties.
Initially, the Amnesty was set for three months, ending on August 1, 2025. However, the NIS extended this deadline to September 30, 2025, allowing additional time for compliance.
Who Is Affected?
The enforcement will focus on the following groups of foreign nationals:
- Individuals holding expired Visa on Arrival (VoA) permits.
- Foreigners with expired Single or Multiple-Entry Short Visit or Business Visas.
- Persons whose Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) have expired.
Consequences for Overstaying and Violations
The NIS outlined the penalties for those who remain in Nigeria beyond their visa validity or fail to regularize their immigration status:
- Overstay under 3 months: Deportation, a fine of $15 per day, or a 2-year ban on re-entry.
- Overstay between 3 months and 1 year: Deportation, $15 daily fine, or a 5-year entry prohibition.
- Overstay exceeding 1 year: Deportation, a 10-year ban, or potentially a permanent ban from Nigeria.
- Foreign nationals violating immigration laws may also face removal, fines, and restrictions on future entry.
The agency highlighted that these measures are essential to uphold national security and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s immigration system.