Nigerian Government Launches Online Immigration Amnesty Portal For Visa Overstayers.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking initiative to address irregular migration by launching an online immigration amnesty portal in July 2025. This portal will allow foreigners who have overstayed their visas to regularise their status before stringent penalties take effect on 1 August 2025, as confirmed by recent announcements from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The initiative, part of the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025, aims to encourage voluntary compliance among overstayers, offering a 30-day grace period to legalise their stay or depart without immediate penalties. The move reflects the government’s commitment to modernising immigration processes while balancing enforcement with compassion.
A Chance to Regularise Status
The amnesty portal, accessible via the Nigeria Immigration Service website (immigration.gov.ng), will enable overstayers to apply for legal residence, such as through the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), without facing immediate fines or detention. Eligible applicants must provide evidence of their stay, including passport details, proof of residence, and reasons for overstaying. The portal will be fully digital, aligning with the NIS’s shift to e-services, including e-Visas and automated landing/exit cards introduced on 1 May 2025.(https://immigration.gov.ng)
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasised the importance of compliance, stating, “From 1 August, anybody that does not take advantage of the amnesty period will face penalties.” These include a $15 daily fine, a five-year re-entry ban for overstays exceeding three months, and a lifetime ban for those overstaying a year or more.
Why the Amnesty?
The policy addresses the growing number of undocumented migrants in Nigeria, with the NIS leveraging advanced technology to track overstays. The introduction of digital landing and exit cards, integrated with global security databases, has enhanced the government’s ability to monitor visa compliance. The amnesty portal offers a one-time opportunity for overstayers to avoid these penalties, particularly for those with long-term ties to Nigeria, such as family or employment.
The initiative follows a three-month grace period from 1 May to 31 July 2025, announced earlier this year, to allow compliance before enforcement begins. The government aims to reduce irregular migration while ensuring Nigeria remains a secure destination for legitimate travellers.
How It Works
From July, overstayers can access the portal at immigration.gov.ng, create an account, and submit applications with supporting documents, such as a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity), passport photos, and evidence of residence (e.g., utility bills or employment records). The process mirrors the streamlined e-Visa system, with decisions expected within 48 hours.
The NIS has warned against fraudulent websites and urged applicants to use only official channels. A helpline and webchat service will be available to assist with queries and verify application statuses, ensuring a secure and transparent process.(https://immigration.gov.ng/)
Post-1 August Consequences
From 1 August 2025, non-compliant overstayers will face severe penalties, including daily fines of $15, deportation, and re-entry bans. Those overstaying for three months or more will face a five-year ban, while those exceeding a year will be permanently blacklisted. Employers will also be held accountable for their foreign employees’ immigration status, with the Expatriate Administration System (EAS) ensuring compliance through digital monitoring.
A Step Towards Modernisation
The amnesty portal is part of broader immigration reforms under the NVP 2025, which include phasing out the Visa-on-Arrival system, automating CERPAC processes, and enhancing border security with API/PNR systems at Nigeria’s five international airports. Minister Tunji-Ojo has stressed that these measures aim to make Nigeria’s immigration system “transparent, secure, and investor-friendly” while ensuring it is not a “safe haven for violators.”
Immigration experts have praised the initiative but advise seeking professional guidance. “This is a vital opportunity for overstayers to regularise their status, but the process can be complex,” said a Lagos-based immigration consultant. “Applicants should act quickly and ensure their documentation is complete.”
For more details, visit immigration.gov.ng in July to access the portal. With the 1 August deadline approaching, the NIS urges overstayers to seize this chance to secure their future in Nigeria.
