The Federal Government has extended its visa amnesty program by two months for foreigners who may have overstayed their visas in Nigeria.
This initiative aims to improve compliance with the new visa regulations while strengthening the country’s migration system for enhanced security and transparency.
During a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association in March, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the government would commence a strict crackdown on irregular migrants starting August 1.
He initially granted a three-month grace period from May 1, coinciding with the implementation of the new Expatriate Administration System, to allow affected individuals to regularize their stay.
Providing an update on the program, the Nigeria Immigration Service spokesman, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, stated, “The initiative, which commenced on May 1, 2025, runs until September 30, 2025, and specifically applies to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.” He explained that the amnesty offers foreign nationals currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status an opportunity to regularize their stay without facing penalties.
Akinlabi further clarified, “The amnesty applies to the following categories: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival; holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas; and individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.”
The NIS has urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through the dedicated online portal (https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid penalties for overstaying. To ensure a smooth application process, the Nigeria Immigration Service has set up a support team to assist applicants. Those requiring help can contact the team via email at [email protected].
Akinlabi reiterated the NIS’s commitment to lawful migration, national security, and efficient immigration processes.
