The Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed that it will begin a sweeping crackdown on foreign nationals who failed to regularize their stay before the amnesty deadline ended on October 1, 2025 – www.naijnaira.com reports.
According to a report by Nigerian real estate news, the enforcement will affect different categories of visa holders, including those on expired visa-on-arrival, business visas, tourist permits, and Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).
Spokesman Akinsola Akinlabi explained that the operation would be nationwide and would focus on foreigners who ignored the grace period extended by the Federal Government.
“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 warned.
He noted that offenders face penalties such as removal from Nigeria, daily fines, or long-term entry bans depending on how long they overstayed.
Those who stayed less than three months face removal, a $15 daily fine, or a two-year ban from re-entry.
Foreigners who overstayed between three months and one year will either pay the fine, be deported, or face a five-year re-entry ban.
Anyone who remained beyond a year could be barred for ten years or even permanently from entering Nigeria again.
The NIS insists these measures are necessary to protect national security, improve transparency, and uphold lawful migration processes.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting national interests, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes,” Akinlabi added.
Article updated 34 minutes ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
