By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the commencement of nationwide enforcement operations against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions.
The exercise took effect on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, following the expiration of a visa amnesty window that ran from May 1 to September 30, 2025.
According to the Service, the Expired Visa Initiative gave foreigners with overstayed visas or other violations the opportunity to regularize their status without penalties through an online portal. With the closure of that window, the Immigration Service says it will now begin enforcement to ensure compliance with the country’s immigration laws.
The enforcement will cover holders of expired Visas on Arrival, expired short-visit or business visas, and expired residence permits, including the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
NIS explained that violators will face penalties depending on the length of their overstay. Those who remained less than three months beyond their visa will be subject to removal, daily fines, or a two year entry ban. Overstays of three months to one year attract up to five years entry restriction, while overstays beyond one year could lead to a ten-year or permanent ban from Nigeria.
The Service emphasized that the measures are part of efforts to promote lawful migration, strengthen national security, and maintain transparency in immigration processes.
Foreign nationals who missed the amnesty period are advised to regularize their status immediately or risk sanctions, as the enforcement is expected to be carried out across the country.
