The Federal Government has announced a new visa initiative aimed at enhancing compliance with the new visa regime and promoting a secure migration system.

The initiative allows foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.

Announcing the launch of the initiative in a communiqué in Abuja, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said the initiative has already started running since May 1, 2025, and is expected to elapse on September 30, 2025.

It specifically targets individuals who have overstayed their visas or violated visa conditions.

The amnesty applies to foreign nationals with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), holders of expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas, and individuals with an expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) whose renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

National Spokesman of the agency, Akinsola Akinlabi, noted that affected foreign nationals are encouraged to regularise their stay through the designated portal at https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng during the grace period to avoid penalties for overstaying.

To facilitate the application process, the Nigeria Immigration Service has established a support team to assist with inquiries and applications. Individuals can reach the support team via email at [email protected] or visit the Nigeria Immigration website at http://www.immigration.gov.ng for further information.