The Federal Government has introduced stringent measures aimed at tackling the issue of visa overstays, revealing that expatriates who exceed their visa duration will face severe penalties, including entry bans and daily fines.
This new policy, which will be implemented from August 1, includes a five-year ban for those overstaying beyond six months, and a 10-year ban for those overstaying for one year. In addition, a daily fine of $15 will be imposed for each day of overstay, starting from the date the visa expires.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during a meeting with representatives of the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday. This policy is part of the government’s wider efforts to reform and streamline expatriate management in the country.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that these new regulations are part of a broader set of reforms under the Ministry of Interior’s Expatriate Administration System. Effective from May 1, these reforms will include the introduction of automated Landing and Exit Cards, an Electronic Visa system, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card. Additional changes will also include a revised Expatriate Quota system, as well as the Temporary Resident visa and Temporary Work Permit.
“The need for accurate data on expatriates is crucial. Our records show fewer than 50,000 expatriates, but we know that figure is far from correct,” Tunji-Ojo noted. “A nation cannot make progress without reliable data, and this is essential for effective planning.”
Under the new system, expatriates will be required to complete their Landing and Exit Cards online, eliminating the outdated paper-based process. Tunji-Ojo explained that the automation of this process is a move towards modernization. He stressed that with a population of over 230 million people, the country should no longer rely on paper forms. The new system is also expected to help authorities track visa overstayers more effectively.
“If you overstay, there will be consequences,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “Overstaying by six months will result in a five-year entry ban, and overstaying by one year will lead to a 10-year ban. On top of that, there will be a $15 fine for every day you stay beyond your visa’s expiry.”
He also pointed out that there have been cases of individuals who entered Nigeria on short-term visas but ended up staying for years, working without the necessary permits. “People claim to visit Nigeria for two weeks but stay for 30 years working. That must end,” he asserted.
The new measures will begin with a three-month grace period from May 1, allowing expatriates time to regularize their immigration status. However, the government has warned that after this period, the full enforcement of the penalties will begin in August, with no exceptions.
