FG offers amnesty for foreigners with expired visas
By Ukpono Ukpong
In a strategic move to enhance compliance with Nigeria’s New Visa Regime and foster a secure and transparent migration system, the Federal Government has approved an amnesty programme for foreigners with expired visas.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), offers a unique opportunity for non-Nigerians residing in the country with irregular immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, the initiative specifically applies to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.
“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”
According to the statement, the amnesty, officially titled the ‘Expired Visa Initiative’, commenced on May 1, 2025, and has now been extended to run until September 30, 2025.
Eligible individuals under the programme include foreign nationals with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), holders of expired single and multiple-entry visas, and individuals with an expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.
“All affected foreign nationals are urged to promptly regularize their stay through (https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.
“To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.”
The extension of the amnesty follows an earlier announcement in March by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
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He had warned of a clampdown on irregular migrants starting from August 1, while providing a grace period to allow for compliance.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Akinlabi emphasized that “the Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.” For additional details, the public is advised to visit www.immigration.gov.ng.
