The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions, following the expiration of a five-month amnesty window.
Akinsola Akinlabi, spokesperson of the NIS, announced the move in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the amnesty period, which ran from May 1 to September 30, allowed affected foreigners to regularise their status without penalties.
“With the expiration of the amnesty period, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions,” Akinlabi said.
The enforcement targets include holders of expired visas on arrival, expired single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas, as well as foreigners with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC).
Akinlabi outlined that foreigners who have overstayed less than three months face removal, a $15 per day penalty, or a two-year entry ban. Those who have overstayed between three months and one year will be liable to removal, daily penalties, or a five-year entry ban. Foreigners with overstays exceeding one year will face removal and either a 10-year or permanent entry ban.
He emphasised that offenders could face deportation, overstay fines, and restrictions from future entry into Nigeria. “The NIS remains committed to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes,” Akinlabi said.
