The federal government has announced a new policy for those with excessive visas as part of a thorough immigration reform, including daily fines and re-entry bans.
At a stakeholder meeting held at NECA House in Lagos on Friday, April 11, Home Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the measures at the stakeholder meeting, highlighting the latest news on Nigeria’s visa policy and foreign quota regulations for 2025.
Under new regulations that come into effect in May 2025, foreign nationals with overdue visas will face a fine of $15 per day. But law enforcement will begin in August after a three-month grace period designed to allow super Abans to formalize their identities or make necessary travel arrangements.
“From August 1, anyone who is not conducive to the three-month amnesty period will be punished,” Tunji-ojo said. “But if you use that window to regularize, we won’t charge you.”
He warned that foreign nationals who had their visas covered for more than three months would be banned from Nigeria from reentering Nigeria. Those who fail to correct their status during the amnesty and who have lasted illegally in the country for more than a year will face a life ban.
“Starting in August, if you [overstay]$15 a day, if you live for more than three months and five years, abeg we don’t need violators in Nigeria.
In addition to these visa measures, the minister also announced the complete digitization of the Joint Foreign Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) process that was scheduled to be launched on May 1. The move is designed to modernize the application system, eliminate manual forms and allow applicants to complete and make payments through the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) Website (NIS) Website.
“We’re at the end. Because these days, the program is what you have to buy forms. When you buy forms, you pay at the bank and pay to Cerpac Center. There is no country in the world that can do that.”
He stressed that applicants with criminal records should not apply and warned that the new system would be integrated with a global security database, including Interpol. “This place is not safe for you. Go back,” he said.
The Minister further noted that employers will now be responsible for immigration status of their foreign employees, which is consistent with best practices around the world. “Under our law, we will put employers in charge of the foundation. This is the way around the world,” he said.
Tunji-ojo stressed that the reform reflects a broader commitment to disinfecting immigration systems and Nigerian policies and international standards.
