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The Nigerian government has introduced a five-month visa amnesty programme to enable foreign nationals with expired immigration status in Nigeria to regularise their stay without incurring penalties.
The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), launched the Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) to support a transparent and secure migration system.
According to the NIS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Akinsola Akinlabi, the initiative commenced on May 1, 2025, and will conclude on September 30, 2025.
“This special window allows foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired visas or who have violated visa conditions to regularise their stay without fear of punishment,” Akinlabi said in a statement released over the weekend.
The categories of individuals eligible for the amnesty include:
- Foreign nationals with an expired Visa on Arrival (VoA)
- Holders of expired single- and Multiple-Entry Visas
- Individuals with an expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiry
Akinlabi encouraged affected persons to visit https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng to regularise their immigration status during the grace period.
He added that the NIS has set up a dedicated support team to assist applicants and can be contacted via [email protected] for any enquiries.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to structured and humane migration management, ensuring that Nigeria remains a welcoming and orderly destination for legitimate residents and visitors,” Akinlabi noted.
