By Jamiu Yusuf
ABUJA: The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has officially announced that it will begin strict enforcement against foreigners who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration laws, following the closure of the Federal Government’s visa amnesty programme.
The Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), launched on July 5, 2025, gave foreign nationals with expired visas or residence permits the opportunity to regularize their status in Nigeria without penalties. That window closed at midnight on September 30, 2025.
From Wednesday October 1, 2025, NIS enforcement teams will move against:
Holders of expired Visa on Arrival VoA,
Holders of expired single and multiple-entry visit or business visas,
Foreigners with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards CERPAC.
Penalties for visa overstayers in Nigeria
The Immigration Service warned that foreigners who overstay their visas will face removal, fines, and entry bans. The penalty breakdown includes:
Less than 3 months overstay: removal, $15 per day fine, or 2-year entry ban.
3 months to 1 year: removal, $15 per day fine, or 5-year entry ban.
1 year and above: removal and 10-year or permanent entry ban.
According to the NIS spokesperson, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the crackdown is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s immigration enforcement, protect national security, and ensure compliance with international migration standards.
The Service also urged all foreign nationals to respect Nigeria’s visa regulations to avoid sanctions, stressing that there will be no further extensions of the expired visa amnesty programme.
