The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, says the Amnesty window that earlier allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularise their stay in Nigeria without penalties has expired on the 30th of September, 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.
In an official statement signed by the Nigeria Immigration Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the enforcement exercise will apply to the following categories of foreigners;
- 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).
In addition, he said; “foreign nationals found in violation of Nigeria Immigration Laws shall be subjected to sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal and possible restriction from future entry into Nigeria.”
Similarly, the public is to note that the following overstay penalties and entry restrictions are applicable to foreigners who have overstayed or violated their entry conditions;
“Less than 3 months overstay attracts removal, payment of $15 per day for each day overstayed or option of 2 years entry ban.
• 3 Months to 1 year attracts removal, payment of $15 per day or option of 5 Years entry ban.
• 1 year & above attracts removal, 10 years entry ban/permanent entry ban,” he stated.
Akinlabi reaffirmed that the Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.