The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will begin nationwide enforcement against visa overstayers and illegal residents following the end of the Federal Government’s three-month amnesty programme.
The grace period expired on October 1, 2025.
NIS spokesman, Akinsola Akinlabi, said offenders face fines, deportation, or lifetime entry bans.
“With the expiration of the amnesty period, effective October 1, 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions,” Akinlabi said.
He explained that the crackdown covers foreigners with expired visa-on-arrival, short visit visas, business visas, and lapsed residence permits.
According to him, overstayers of less than three months risk removal, a $15 daily fine, or a two-year entry ban.
Those who have overstayed between three months and one year face removal, a $15 daily fine, or a five-year entry ban.
He added that foreigners who remain in Nigeria illegally for more than a year risk removal, a 10-year entry ban, or a permanent ban.
Akinlabi said the measure was introduced to strengthen national security and promote lawful migration.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting national interests, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes,” he said.
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