Nigeria Ends Expired Visa Amnesty, Begins Enforcement Against Violators

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the end of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) granted to foreign nationals with irregular immigration status, and warned that enforcement actions against visa overstayers will begin October 1, 2025.

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS said the amnesty period which commenced on July 5, 2025, expired at midnight on September 30, 2025.

The amnesty initiative had allowed foreigners with expired visas and residence permits to regularize their stay in Nigeria without facing penalties.

“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,” Akinlabi stated.

According to the NIS, the enforcement will target holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired Single and Multiple-Entry Short Visit or Business Visas, as well as individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).

Akinlabi warned that violators of immigration laws will not be spared.

“Foreign nationals found to be in violation will be subjected to sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal from the country, and possible restrictions from future entry into Nigeria,” he said.

The statement also outlined the applicable penalties:

1. Less than 3 months overstay: removal, payment of $15 per day overstayed, or a 2-year entry ban.
2. 3 months to 1 year overstay: removal, payment of $15 per day, or a 5-year entry ban.
3. Over 1 year overstay: removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban.

The service reaffirmed it’s commitment, saying, “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains dedicated to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.”