By Abiola Olawale
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced its decision to kick off a sweeping nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals overstaying their visas or breaching entry conditions.
The NIS said the enforcement action began immediately following the expiration of a generous amnesty program on September 30, 2025.
The New Diplomat reports that the amnesty program allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularize their stay in Nigeria without penalties.
However, following the expiration of the program, the NIS, in a public notice signed by ACI Kinsola Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, said: “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 statement added that the enforcement exercise will target 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 an expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).
The notice also detailed penalties for foreigners who have overstayed their visas or failed to regularize their immigration status.
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.
