FG Sets August 1 Deadline for Visa Overstayers, Launches Amnesty Portal

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced August 1, 2025, as the official deadline for the commencement of strict penalties against foreigners who have overstayed their visas. This follows the launch of an online immigration amnesty portal designed to allow affected individuals to regularise their stay before enforcement begins.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation event held at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja on Monday. He stated that the government will implement immigration laws “100 per cent” once the grace period ends.

“Once the amnesty period is over, we will implement the law fully and, of course, there will be penalties for overstaying in Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo said.

According to the Minister, the amnesty portal went live on July 1 and will remain open throughout the month to provide an opportunity for foreigners to legalise their residency status without facing immediate sanctions. He added that overstaying a visa beyond the amnesty period will attract daily penalties and, in some cases, long-term re-entry bans.

Officials say this initiative is part of broader reforms to tighten Nigeria’s immigration system, enhance border security, and improve international travel experiences. The sensitisation event also highlighted other innovations, including a digitised entry-exit monitoring system and an upgrade of the visa-on-arrival process.

Diplomatic missions have been urged to inform their nationals residing in Nigeria about the new policy and to encourage timely compliance.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has pledged full support in implementing the directive and maintaining transparency throughout the amnesty period.