Nigeria Introduces Stricter Visa Penalties and New Immigration Reforms to Curb Overstays In a bold move to strengthen immigration control and enhance national security and visa, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a series of sweeping reforms targeting visa overstays and expatriate management. Effective August 1, 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas
Nigeria Introduces Stricter Visa Penalties and New Immigration Reforms to Curb Overstays
In a bold move to strengthen immigration control and enhance national security and visa, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a series of sweeping reforms targeting visa overstays and expatriate management. Effective August 1, 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year ban, while a 10-year entry ban awaits those who exceed their visa duration by one year or more. Additionally, a $15 daily fine will be imposed starting from the expiration date of the visa.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during a stakeholder engagement with the Organised Private Sector at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday. The meeting served as a platform to introduce the Ministry’s newly developed Expatriate Administration System, a cornerstone of upcoming immigration reforms set to take effect on May 1, 2025.
Stricter Penalties and Data Accuracy Drive New Immigration Strategy
Under the new rules, overstaying a visa will no longer be treated lightly. Expatriates must now ensure they leave Nigeria on or before their visa’s expiration date. Visa extensions, according to the minister, must now be initiated from outside Nigeria.
“You must exit the country on or before your visa expiry date, and extensions must be applied for from outside Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
To support compliance, the Ministry is introducing an automated Landing and Exit Card system, allowing authorities to digitally track the entry and exit of all expatriates. Those who fail to leave on time will be easily identified and sanctioned accordingly. A three-month grace period starting May 1, 2025, will allow expatriates to regularize their immigration status before enforcement begins in August.
The minister emphasized the need for accurate expatriate data, revealing that the country currently has fewer than 50,000 recorded expatriates, a figure he described as “grossly inaccurate.” The reforms aim to provide credible data for strategic planning and immigration management.
Launch of E-Visa and Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Another significant reform is the introduction of a new Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system, replacing the existing visa-on-arrival framework. Beginning May 1, e-visas will be processed within 48 hours, offering a faster and more transparent alternative to the old system, which had been criticized for corruption and administrative bottlenecks.
“The e-visa system will make it easier for genuine tourists and business travelers to access Nigeria,” said Tunji-Ojo.
In addition, the government is implementing a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance Policy. This policy will cover the cost of repatriation for expatriates who violate immigration rules, addressing the significant financial burden currently borne by the government.
“We spend more than our budgetary allocation every year on repatriation. The new insurance system will cover those costs and ensure financial responsibility,” the minister added.
Automated CERPAC and Employer Accountability
The Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) process is also set for a complete overhaul. The system will be fully automated and integrated with Interpol databases to help detect and track individuals with criminal records or security risks. Importantly, there will be no increase in fees under the new system.
To promote accountability, employers will now be held responsible for any immigration violations committed by their foreign staff. This includes ensuring that their employees do not overstay their permits or violate the terms of their residency.
Other changes include the introduction of a Temporary Resident Visa, a Temporary Work Permit, and a revised Expatriate Quota System, all of which are designed to bring Nigeria’s immigration system in line with global best practices.
The reforms, described by stakeholders as comprehensive and long overdue, are expected to improve national security, enhance service delivery, and promote ease of doing business for legitimate expatriates and investors.
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