The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched enforcement against foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions, following the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) on September 30, 2025.
The program, introduced in May 2025, gave foreigners with expired immigration status the chance to regularize their stay or exit Nigeria without penalties.
Initially set for three months, the grace period was later extended to September 30.
In a notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, NIS spokesperson, the agency confirmed that from October 1, enforcement would begin nationwide. The crackdown targets holders of expired Visas on Arrival, expired short visit or business visas, and lapsed Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).
Penalties for violators include, Less than 3 months overstay: removal, $15 daily fine, or 2-year entry ban, 3 months to 1 year: removal, $15 daily fine, or 5-year ban, over 1 year removal, 10-year ban, or permanent ban.
The NIS stressed that foreigners who fail to regularize their status will face sanctions ranging from fines to deportation and entry restrictions.
The Service said the enforcement is part of ongoing reforms, including the shift to e-Visas and automated immigration processes, aimed at strengthening national security and order.
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