The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a three-month ultimatum to all foreigners residing in the country with expired visas to exit Nigeria or face stringent sanctions, including a daily fine and a potential five-year entry ban.
The directive, which was made public in a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, takes immediate effect and grants a grace period ending August 1, 2025.
The new policy is expected to be fully enforced beginning September 2025.
According to the statement, any foreign national who remains in the country beyond their visa validity will incur a $15 daily penalty.
In addition to the fines, the NIS warned of more severe consequences such as a ban of up to five years or even permanent blacklisting from re-entering Nigeria.
“A three-month grace period allows foreigners with expired visas to exit Nigeria without penalty, ending August 1, 2025,” the statement read in part.
In a move to streamline immigration procedures, the NIS also announced the introduction of mandatory online landing cards for inbound visitors and exit cards for outbound travellers.
These digital forms will be accessible via the agency’s official platform and are intended to enhance border control and monitoring of foreign nationals in the country.
The immigration agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s immigration laws and maintaining national security.
It urged affected individuals to take advantage of the grace period to regularize their status or make immediate arrangements to leave the country.
This development comes as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to tighten immigration policies and reduce illegal residency across Nigeria.
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