What to Know as Nigeria Extends Amnesty for Foreigners to Regularise Their Visa

The Nigerian government has announced an extension of its amnesty programme for foreign nationals living in the country without valid immigration documents or whose visas have expired.

The initiative, known as the Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), is designed to give foreigners a final opportunity to legalise their status without facing penalties.

The programme, led by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), was initially launched in May 2025 and scheduled to end on 31 August. The government has now extended the deadline by one month, with the new cut-off set for 30 September 2025.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasised that after the amnesty period ends, authorities will strictly enforce immigration laws. “From 1 October, penalties will apply to individuals who remain in Nigeria with invalid documentation,” he said. The NIS echoed this warning, stressing that enforcement measures will include detention, fines, and potential deportation.

Who Can Apply

The amnesty applies to foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas, violated visa conditions, or whose entry permits have expired. This includes:

• Foreign nationals with an expired Visa on Arrival
  
• Holders of single-entry or multiple-entry visas that are no longer valid
  
• Individuals whose Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) expired more than 30 days ago

Certain visa types are excluded from the programme, such as diplomatic visas, employment visas for government officials, student visas, clerical or religious visas, and academic exchange visas. Holders of these visas must ensure timely renewal or extension to avoid penalties.

How to Apply

Eligible individuals must submit applications through the Nigeria Immigration Service amnesty portal before the 30 September deadline. Applicants are required to provide:

• Personal information and passport details
  
• Reasons for seeking amnesty
  
• Copies of expired visas or residence permits
  
• A declaration of intent to either continue legal residence in Nigeria or depart voluntarily

Once submitted, applicants will receive confirmation and can track the progress of their application online. While the exact processing time has not been disclosed, authorities urge applicants to act promptly to avoid complications.

Purpose of the Amnesty

The Nigerian government stated that the initiative aims to strengthen the immigration system, ensuring it is transparent, secure, and efficient. Accurate records of foreign nationals will also support national security planning.

Companies employing expatriates whose documentation is irregular may face fines or operational disruptions if the affected staff are not regularised. Individuals who fail to comply by the extended deadline risk deportation and may be banned from future entry into Nigeria.

This amnesty follows a similar programme launched in July 2019, under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, which allowed illegal foreign residents to regularise their status without penalty.