Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has commenced action against foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions in Nigeria.
The Service Public Relations Officer, SPRO, Akinsola Akinlabi, in a statement issued in Abuja, Wednesday, said the action followed the expiration of the federal government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), which ended by midnight of September 30.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the amnesty programme, announced on July 5, allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularise their stay in Nigeria without penalties.
Akinlabi said the enforcement exercise, effective October 1, would target categories of foreigners.
This, he said, include holders of expired Visa on Arrival, VoA, holders of expired single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas, as well as individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card, CERPAC.
Akinlabi, said foreign nationals found to have violated Nigeria’s immigration laws would face sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal from the country and possible restrictions from future entry into Nigeria.
He also outlined applicable overstay penalties and entry restrictions as follows:
“Less than three months overstay attracts removal, a fine of $15 per day for each day overstayed or an option of a two-year entry ban.
“Overstay between three months and one year attracts removal, $15 per day penalty or a five-year entry ban.
“Overstay of one year and above attracts removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban, “he emphasised.
The public relations officer reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensure lawful migration, safeguard national security and promote transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes. NAN
