The Nigeria Immigration Service has commenced a nationwide enforcement against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions in Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, the immigration said that the action followed the expiration of the federal government’s expired visa initiative, which ended at midnight on September 30.
The amnesty, announced on July 5, allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularise their stay in Nigeria without penalties.
The agency stated that the enforcement exercise, effective October 1, would target specific categories of foreigners.
This, it said, include the holders of expired visas on arrival, holders of expired single- and multiple-entry short-visit or business visas, as well as individuals with expired comprehensive expatriate residence permits and automated cards.
Read Also:
- Six senior officers of Nigeria Immigration Service elevated to Deputy Comptroller General
- Nigeria Immigration Service boosts Passport production to 5,000 daily with new centralised centre
- EFCC, Immigration service repatriate 51 foreign nationals jailed for cybercrime in Nigeria
The agency said that foreign nationals found to have violated immigration laws would face sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal from the country, and possible restrictions on future entry into Nigeria.
Overstaying for less than three months results in removal, a fine of $15 per day for each day overstayed, or a two-year entry ban.
Overstaying between three months and one year attracts removal, a $15-per-day penalty, or a five-year entry ban.
Overstaying for one year or more attracts removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban.
The statement reiterated the immigration’s commitment to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
