Starting August 2025, travellers who overstay their visas in Nigeria will face a $15 daily fine and risk bans of up to 10 years, the federal government has announced. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed the policy during a stakeholders’ meeting at NECA House in Lagos, emphasizing that full enforcement will begin after a three-month grace period from May.
Under the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, overstays of three months will attract a five-year re-entry ban, while overstays beyond a year will lead to a 10-year ban. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will be tasked with enforcing the penalties, aimed at curbing visa abuse and ensuring national security.
The new measures are part of a wider reform that includes digitizing visa applications, real-time tracking, and electronic approvals. Mr. Tunji-Ojo also addressed concerns around the misuse of expatriate quotas, stressing the need for automation and streamlined oversight, noting that some expatriates have held roles for decades without knowledge transfer to Nigerians.
He further pointed out that many businesses holding permits exist only on paper, and that nearly 90% of expatriates working in Nigeria lack valid documentation. The reforms will also tackle these irregularities by automating business and citizenship processes.
NECA Director-General Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde praised the reforms, stating they promote both security and economic growth. He emphasized that the upcoming changes are intended to benefit both Nigerians and foreign residents, encouraging transparency and accountability.
Source: Swifteradio.com.
