The federal government has announced stricter immigration penalties, warning that expats with visas over six months will face a five-year entry ban, while one year overdue will result in a 10-year ban.
In addition, starting from August 1, 2025, Super Dormitories will be fined $15 per day, starting from the visa exit date.
Minister of the Interior vitalityThe announcement was made on Friday at a meeting with organized private sector and other stakeholders at the Nigerian Employer Advisory Association House in Ikeja, Lagos.
Tunji-Ojo unveils the Ministry of Home Affairs’ new foreign management system, which will undergo multiple reforms on May 1, 2025.
Upcoming reforms include automatic landing and export cards, e-visa, foreign comprehensive insurance, and an upgraded joint foreign resident permit and alien card.
Other changes include the introduction of temporary resident visas, temporary work permits and a revised foreign quota system.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the reforms aim to curb the visa level and obtain accurate data on Nigerian expats.
He noted that current records show that he described less than 50,000 inaccurate expats, stressing the need for reliable data to ensure effective planning.
Under the new system, landing cards and exit cards will be automated. Foreigners will now need to complete these cards online.
“You must exit the country on or before the visa expiration date and you must apply for an extension from outside NigeriaHe said. The automated process will help track excessive installations, including a five-year ban of six months and a one-year ban of 10 years, in addition to a daily fine of $15.
From May 1, an expatriate will be given a three-month grace period to allow their status to be regularly held until the August 2025 fine is fully effective.
The new e-visa system, which will also be launched on May 1, will allow applicants to obtain visas within 48 hours.
This new system replaces the previous arrival visa system, which is susceptible to corruption and influence.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that the E-VISA system will make Nigeria more accessible to legal tourists and business travelers, thereby facilitating opportunities without bottlenecks in the previous process.
In addition, foreign comprehensive insurance policies will now be enforced. Tunji-ojo explained that the policy was to address annual expenditures on government repatriation, which have been exceeding budget allocations. Insurance will cover the repatriation costs of defaulters and reduce the financial burden of the government.
The CERPAC process will also be fully automated without increasing costs. The system will be integrated with Interpol to enhance stalking of criminals and individuals with suspicious intent. In addition, employers will now be responsible for immigration violations committed by their foreign employees.
