The Nigerian government has issued a firm deadline of August 1, 2025, for all foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas to regularise their immigration status or face stiff sanctions.
Speaking at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that after the deadline, the government will fully enforce immigration laws, with significant consequences for non-compliance.
“Once the amnesty period is over, we will implement the law 100 per cent, and, of course, there will be penalties for overstaying in Nigeria,” the minister said.
Penalties for Visa Overstayers
The updated enforcement measures include:
- A five-year re-entry ban for foreigners who overstay by six months.
- A ten-year ban for those who overstay by one year or more.
- A daily surcharge of $15 for each day a visitor remains in the country beyond the visa expiration date.
Amnesty Portal and Immigration Reforms
As part of broader immigration reforms, the government recently launched an amnesty portal to help overstayers regularise their status. Within six weeks, over 14,000 electronic visa applications have been processed under the new system.
These reforms aim to:
- Strengthen national security
- Ensure better compliance with immigration regulations
- Facilitate legitimate travel and investment in Nigeria
The minister urged diplomatic missions to inform their citizens about the amnesty window, encouraging them to comply with Nigerian immigration laws.
“Our laws are not meant to be abused. Our laws are meant to be respected. And wherever you are from, once you are in Nigeria, you must respect the laws of Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stressed.
Passport System Automation
The government also highlighted the success of Nigeria’s automated passport system, which officially began on January 8, 2024. The system has:
- Eliminated the need for paper forms and intermediaries
- Enabled applicants to complete forms online, pay electronically, and upload necessary documents such as birth certificates, proof of address, and passport photos.
The backend of the portal conducts automatic security screenings, allowing immigration officials to detect irregularities before applicants reach passport offices or capture centres.
To support this initiative, Nigerian missions abroad have issued advisories encouraging prospective travellers to:
- Check requirements
- Test passport photos
- Book appointments online
Officials say the digital overhaul is intended to eliminate long queues, bribery, and extortion, which have plagued the system for years.
These combined efforts mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s immigration policy—one focused on transparency, accountability, and rule of law.
