Nigerian Govt announces 10-year entry bans for visa overstays, $15 daily fine

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned that expatriates who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year entry ban.

Those who overstay for one year will face a 10-year ban.

As part of the stricter immigration penalties, overstaying will incur a daily fine of $15, starting from the visa’s stated exit date, effective from August 1.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this during a meeting with the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday.

Tunji-Ojo was unveiling the Ministry of Interior’s new Expatriate Administration System.

“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.

Among the reforms set to roll out from May 1 are the automated Landing and Exit Cards, Electronic Visa, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card.

Others include the Temporary Resident visa, Temporary Work Permit, and revised Expatriate Quota system.

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