Nigeria Immigration Begins Crackdown on Visa Overstayers as Amnesty Ends October 1, 2025

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions. The operation, which officially began today, follows the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) that ended at midnight on September 30, 2025.

The amnesty program, which ran from May 1 to September 30, 2025, allowed foreigners with expired visas, residence permits, or other immigration irregularities to regularize their stay or exit the country without penalties. According to immigration authorities, thousands took advantage of the program, but many failed to comply within the given window.

With the deadline now passed, the NIS has warned that all violators will face strict enforcement measures.

The crackdown targets: Holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA),  Holders of expired single- or multiple-entry short-stay or business visas, Foreign nationals whose Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) have lapsed

According to the NIS, penalties vary depending on the length of overstay: Less than 3 months: removal, a fine of US$15 per day, or a 2-year entry ban, 3 months to 1 year: removal, a US$15 per day fine, or a 5-year entry ban, Over 1 year: removal, a 10-year entry ban or in severe cases, a permanent ban

Officials clarified that sanctions will be applied at the discretion of the NIS, meaning violators may face a combination of fines, bans, or outright deportation.

The NIS emphasized that the measure is crucial to safeguard national security, maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s borders, and uphold lawful migration standards.

Spokesman Akinsola Akinlabi said the Service remains committed to “transparency, efficiency, and accountability” while ensuring that only individuals with valid entry status remain in the country.

This move comes amid a series of immigration reforms in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the government announced plans to automate short-stay visa approvals to streamline travel procedures. In August 2025, authorities also deported 50 Chinese nationals linked to cybercrime activities, signaling a tougher stance on immigration violations and security threats.

As enforcement begins, the NIS has urged all foreign nationals in Nigeria to keep their documents valid and comply with immigration rules to avoid sanctions. The Service also reaffirmed its readiness to remove violators swiftly and impose penalties where necessary.