The Nigerian Federal Government has issued a warning that expatriates who exceed their visa stay by more than six months will be banned from entry for five years. Those who overstay for more than one year will face a 10-year ban.
These stricter immigration penalties also include a daily fine of $15 starting from the visa’s expiration date, effective August 1.
During a meeting with the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders in Lagos, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced these new regulations as part of the Ministry of Interior’s Expatriate Administration System.
“Our records indicate fewer than 50,000 expatriates in Nigeria, which we know is inaccurate.
“We need to establish the true number of foreigners living in the country. A nation without reliable data cannot progress, as data is the foundation of effective planning,” he said.
The reforms, set to launch on May 1, will introduce automated Landing and Exit Cards, Electronic Visa, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card.
Additionally, Temporary Resident Visa, Temporary Work Permit, and a revised Expatriate Quota system will also be implemented.
