Mass Deportation Looms As Immigration Amnesty For Overstayers Ends

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated immigration regulations, following the expiration of the Federal Government’s visa amnesty programme.

LEADERSHIP reports that with the grace period officially closed, mass deportation now looms for violators.

Recall that the amnesty initiative, introduced on July 5, 2025, offered an opportunity for affected individuals to regularise their immigration status without facing penalties. That window officially closed at midnight on September 30, 2025.

In a statement issued just before the deadline expired, NIS Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, announced that enforcement operations would commence from Wednesday, October 1.

The crackdown, according to the statement, will target holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired single or multiple-entry short visit and business visas, as well as individuals with lapsed Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permits and Automated Cards (CERPAC).

The statement explained that foreign nationals found in violation will face sanctions, including removal from the country, payment of overstay penalties, and restrictions on future entry.

It further revealed that the offenders will face stiff consequences ranging from removal from the country to monetary penalties and bans on re-entry.

According to the Service, individuals who have overstayed by less than three months risk deportation, a $15 daily fine, or a two-year entry ban, while those who have overstayed between three months and one year face similar fines and a five-year ban.

For overstays beyond one year, the penalty escalates to removal and either a ten-year or permanent entry ban.

The Immigration Service stressed that this enforcement drive was aimed at restoring compliance with immigration laws, enhancing national security, and fostering transparency within Nigeria’s migration system.

“Sequel to the earlier statement dated on 5th July, 2025, on Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria which allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularise their stay in Nigeria without penalties, we wish to notify the general public that the Amnesty window ended by midnight of 30th September 2025.

“With the expiration of the Amnesty period, effective 1st October 2025, enforcement actions will commence nationwide against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa or violated their entry conditions.

“In addition, foreign nationals found in violation of Nigeria Immigration Laws shall be subjected to sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal and possible restriction from future entry into Nigeria,” the NIS stated.