The Federal Government has introduced a new Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) for foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or breached immigration laws without regularizing their status.
The initiative, announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday, follows the expiration of the government’s Expired Visa Amnesty Programme on September 30, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the new scheme will commence on Monday, October 13, 2025, and is designed to provide a final opportunity for affected foreigners to normalize their stay in Nigeria through proper documentation.
“The Post-Amnesty Programme targets all foreign nationals who failed to take advantage of the recently concluded Expired Visa Initiative. They are expected to report to the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation,” the statement read.
Akinlabi disclosed that each case would be reviewed on its individual merit in line with the Immigration Act, 2015, and other extant regulations.
He warned that any foreigner who ignores the directive risks arrest, detention, deportation, and possible long-term entry bans.
The NIS also cautioned Nigerian citizens, companies, and organizations against aiding or harbouring undocumented immigrants, stressing that such actions constitute offences under Nigerian law.
“The Service will not hesitate to enforce the law against any individual or entity found providing shelter, employment, or assistance to illegal migrants,” Akinlabi added.
Reaffirming its commitment to orderly migration management, the NIS said the programme is part of efforts to strengthen national security, promote compliance with immigration laws, and ensure the proper regulation of foreign residents in the country.
The Service appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasizing that the documentation exercise would help the government maintain accurate records of foreign nationals living in Nigeria and curb security threats linked to irregular migration.
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