The Federal Government has announced that foreign nationals who overstay their visas will face a daily fine of $15 and could be banned from re-entering the country for up to 10 years, starting August 2025.
The new penalties were unveiled by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, during a stakeholder engagement session at Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) House in Lagos on Friday.
It was learnt that the session also discussed key reforms in Nigeria’s immigration policies, including updates to the Expatriate Quota System and the upcoming Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025.
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Tunji-Ojo explained that while the fine system will officially take effect in May 2025, a grace period will be provided until August to allow visa holders to adjust to the new regulations without facing immediate penalties.
The Minister clarified that foreign nationals who overstay for three months will be subjected to a five-year re-entry ban, while those who exceed one year will face a ten-year ban.
Additionally, overstayers will be charged $15 for each day they remain in Nigeria beyond the validity of their visa.
“The policy is designed to ensure compliance, boost national security, and encourage responsible migration practices,” Tunji-Ojo emphasised.
He mentioned that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will be responsible for the enforcement of these new rules.
