The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a nationwide enforcement operation targeting foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions, following the end of a five-month amnesty period.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed that the crackdown began after the amnesty window which allowed affected foreigners to regularise their status without penalties—officially closed on September 30. The grace period had been in effect since May 1.
“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.
The enforcement targets several categories of visa infractions, including: Individuals with expired visa-on-arrival permits; Holders of lapsed single or multiple-entry short-stay or business visas; Foreigners whose Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) has expired
According to the NIS, penalties for non-compliance include immediate removal, a daily fine of $15 for each day overstayed, or a two-year entry ban for those whose overstay is less than three months.
The statement reads: “Sequel to the earlier statement dated on 5th July, 2025, on Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria which allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularize their stay in Nigeria without penalties, Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to notify the general public that the Amnesty window ends by midnight of 30th September 2025.
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“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 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, 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 general 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.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.”
