The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced nationwide enforcement against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions, following the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) program.
The amnesty window, which allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularize their stay in Nigeria without penalties, officially ended at midnight on September 30, 2025.
In a public notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, NIS Headquarters, Abuja, the agency confirmed that enforcement actions began on October 1, 2025.
“With the expiration of the Amnesty period, effective 1st October 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions,” the NIS said.
Background to the Amnesty Program
The visa-amnesty initiative was introduced in early 2025 as part of a broader overhaul of Nigeria’s immigration system. The reforms included the introduction of an e-Visa platform, the phasing out of Visa on Arrival, and the automation of landing and exit cards.
On July 5, 2025, the NIS officially announced the Expired Visa Initiative. The program began on May 1, 2025, and was initially scheduled to end on August 1. However, it was later extended until September 30 to give affected foreigners more time to regularize their status.
Categories of Affected Foreigners
The enforcement action targets the following categories:
- Holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA).
- Holders of expired single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas.
- Individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).
Overstay Penalties and Entry Bans
The NIS also outlined penalties for foreign nationals found in violation of immigration rules:
- Less than 3 months overstay: Removal, $15 per day fine, or 2-year entry ban.
- 3 months to 1 year overstay: Removal, $15 per day fine, or 5-year entry ban.
- 1 year and above: Removal, 10-year entry ban or permanent ban.
Foreigners who fail to regularize their stay risk deportation, fines, and long-term entry bans. The NIS emphasized that the enforcement is necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s immigration system and safeguard national security.
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