Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced a significant tightening of immigration rules for expatriates in Nigeria. In a bid to enforce stricter visa compliance, the government has introduced severe penalties for those who overstay their visas beyond the stipulated period.
Expatriates who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year ban from entering Nigeria, while those who remain in the country for one year or more beyond their visa's expiration will be barred for ten years. Additionally, a daily fine of $15 will be imposed starting August 1, calculated from the visa’s stated exit date.
The Ministry of Interior is also introducing several reforms to streamline immigration processes. These include the implementation of automated Landing and Exit Cards, Electronic Visas, and upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permits. Furthermore, mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance will be required to cover repatriation costs for foreign nationals.
To facilitate compliance, the government has offered a three-month moratorium from May 1, allowing expatriates to regularize their status before the strict enforcement begins in August. This move aims to ensure that foreign workers adhere to the country's immigration laws and contribute to the formal economy.
The new measures are part of broader efforts to enhance border security and regulate the influx of foreign workers in Nigeria. By imposing these penalties, the government seeks to deter visa overstaying and promote a more orderly and regulated immigration environment.