The Federal Government has introduced tougher immigration penalties, declaring that expatriates who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year entry ban, while those who remain in the country illegally for one year will be barred from re-entering for 10 years.
Additionally, the government stated that any overstays will incur a fine of $15 per day, beginning from the visa’s designated exit date.
According to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, these penalties will come into effect on August 1.
Tunji-Ojo made this known during the unveiling of the Ministry of Interior’s new Expatriate Administration System at a stakeholder meeting held at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday.
Several reforms will be implemented starting May 1, including automated Landing and Exit Cards, an Electronic Visa system, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an enhanced Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card.
Additional changes include the introduction of a Temporary Residence Visa, a Temporary Work Permit, and an updated Expatriate Quota framework.
According to Tunji-Ojo, these measures are part of a broader effort to control visa overstays and to gain accurate data on expatriates living in Nigeria.
“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.
He also explained that the new system will automate the Landing and Exit Cards, requiring expatriates to leave the country on or before their visa expiration date and to seek extensions only from outside Nigeria.
“This is serious. We’re not introducing anything new regarding the landing and exit card, just automating the current paper-based process. In a country of over 230 million intelligent, tech-savvy people, we shouldn’t be using paper cards. Going forward, you must complete your landing and exit cards online,” he added.
The automated system, he noted, would make it easier to track those who overstay.
“If you overstay, there will be consequences. Overstaying by six months attracts a five-year ban; one year attracts a 10-year ban. There is also a $15 daily overstay penalty. People claim to be visiting Nigeria for two weeks but stay for 30 years working — that must end,” the minister said.
He added that while the new regulations will officially commence on May 1, there will be a three-month grace period for expatriates to regularise their status before strict enforcement begins in August.
As part of the overhaul, a new Electronic Visa system will also launch on May 1, which will enable applicants to secure visas within 48 hours.
This initiative replaces the current visa-on-arrival model, which Tunji-Ojo described as susceptible to corruption and undue influence.
“We’re introducing the e-visa to make access to Nigeria easier for tourists and business travellers. Globally, population equals market, and we want to open our borders to legitimate opportunities. The e-visa eliminates bottlenecks. No more lobbying. It’s a seamless and secure system,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed the rollout of a mandatory Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance policy.
“We spend billions annually on repatriation. Just a month ago, we had exhausted our yearly budget and had to request an extra N25m. That money should be used to build infrastructure, not deport individuals. We needed a sustainable solution,” he said.
Rather than requiring a substantial deposit for repatriation — which can exceed $10,000 — the government will now require all expatriates to purchase this insurance policy.
“All over the world, there’s personal liability insurance. Your stay here should benefit both you and the host country — not leave Nigeria worse off. The Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance is now mandatory and will be paid annually along with the CERPAC,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
