Following the closure of the federal government’s visa amnesty programme, the Nigeria Immigration Service has announced the commencement of nationwide enforcement against foreigners who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration conditions.
The amnesty programme, introduced on July 5, 2025, allowed foreign nationals with expired immigration documents to regularize their status without incurring penalties.
The window officially closed at midnight on September 30, 2025. The NIS, in a statement on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, announced that enforcement operations would commence on Wednesday.
“Sequel to the earlier statement dated 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," according to the statement.
“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."
He said the enforcement targets holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired single or multiple-entry short visit and business visas, as well as individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards (CERPAC).
“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).”
Foreign nationals found in violation will face sanctions, including removal from the country, payment of penalties, or restrictions from future entry.
Akinlabi stressed that the NIS remains committed to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
