Federal Government has issued warning to foreigners who overstay their visas beyond six months, saying that they will face a five-year entry ban, while overstaying for one year will attract a 10-year ban.
The government also added that overstaying will attract a daily fine of $15, starting from the visa’s stated exit date, effective from August 1.
This was disclosed by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos on Friday.
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Mr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the penalty system is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance, protect national security, and promote responsible migration.
He said: “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.
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“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.
“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.”
