The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that it will begin nationwide enforcement against visa overstayers following the expiration of the Federal Government’s three-month amnesty programme on October 1, 2025.
The crackdown will target foreign nationals who failed to regularise their status during the grace period.
Spokesman of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, said offenders risk 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.
He said the enforcement covers a wide category of foreigners, including those with expired visa-on-arrival, 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 him, 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 more than one year face removal, a 10-year entry ban, or a permanent ban from Nigeria.
He added that the measures were 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,” he said.
