The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a clampdown on foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, Akinsola Akinlabi, spokesperson of the NIS, confirmed the development.
This action comes after the expiration of a five-month amnesty period granted to such foreigners to regularise their status without facing penalties.
The window, which opened on May 1, closed on September 30.
“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.
He explained that the enforcement would cover holders of expired visas on arrival; expired single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas; as well as individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Cards (CERPAC).
“In addition, 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,” Akinlabi added.
The spokesperson outlined the applicable penalties: removal, payment of $15 per day for each day overstayed, or a two-year entry ban for foreigners who overstayed less than three months.
For overstays of three months to one year, offenders face removal, the same daily $15 penalty, or a five-year entry ban.
Foreigners who have remained beyond a year risk removal, a 10-year entry ban, or a permanent ban.
Akinlabi stressed that the NIS remains committed to enforcing lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and ensuring transparency and efficiency in immigration processes.
