Nigeria Launches Visa Amnesty for Foreigners with Expired Immigration Status

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new amnesty initiative that allows foreign nationals residing in the country with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without incurring penalties.Announcing the program in a communiqué issued in Abuja, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) disclosed that the initiative commenced on May 1, 2025, and is scheduled to run until September 30, 2025.

The amnesty specifically targets individuals who have overstayed their visas or violated visa conditions. According to NIS, the program applies to:

• Foreign nationals with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA)
• Holders of expired Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas
• Individuals whose Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) has expired for more than 30 days without renewal

In a statement, the National Spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, urged affected foreigners to seize this opportunity to regularize their stay through the official amnesty portal at https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng during the grace period, thereby avoiding fines, deportation, or future entry bans associated with overstaying.

To ease the application process, the NIS has set up a dedicated support team to assist applicants with inquiries and technical support. Individuals seeking guidance can contact the team via email at amnesty@immigration.gov.ng or visit the NIS website at http://www.immigration.gov.ng for comprehensive information and step-by-step instructions on the amnesty process.

This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to foster a secure, transparent, and efficient migration system, while enhancing national security and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s updated immigration regulations.