The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has started a nationwide operation targeting foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or failed to follow entry rules. This action comes after the three-month amnesty period granted by the Federal Government ended on September 30, 2025.
The amnesty, which began on July 5, allowed foreigners with irregular immigration status to correct their records without facing penalties.The crackdown affects those holding expired Visa on Arrival, short-term business or visit visas, and expired residence permits, including Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards.
Individuals who are caught without valid documentation may face removal from the country, daily fines, or temporary and long-term bans on re-entry. Foreigners who have overstayed for less than three months could face deportation, daily fines of $15, or a two-year ban from entering Nigeria.
Overstays between three months and one year may result in removal, fines, or a five-year re-entry ban, while those exceeding one year risk deportation and bans lasting up to ten years or permanent exclusion.
The Nigerian government introduced these measures as part of broader reforms announced in April 2025, including the $15 daily surcharge for visa overstays. The aim is to ensure that all foreigners respect the country’s immigration laws and to protect national security.
Nigerian authorities have urged foreign nationals to comply with the rules and settle their immigration status promptly.