Nigeria Introduces Stricter Immigration Penalties and New Expatriate Administration System
The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a series of stringent immigration regulations, including harsher penalties for expatriates who overstay their visas. Effective August 1, those who remain in the country beyond their visa expiration will face a five-year entry ban for six-month overstays, and a ten-year ban for overstaying by one year. Additionally, a daily fine of $15 will be imposed starting from the stated exit date of the visa.
This announcement was made by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during a meeting with the Organized Private Sector and stakeholders at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos. The Minister unveiled the Ministry of Interior’s revamped Expatriate Administration System and spoke about the reforms set to be implemented from May 1.
The new system will include a range of improvements such as automated Landing and Exit Cards, an Electronic Visa, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an enhanced Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card. Other changes involve the introduction of a Temporary Resident visa, a Temporary Work Permit, and revisions to the Expatriate Quota system.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for accurate statistics on expatriates in Nigeria, stating that current records suggest fewer than 50,000 foreign nationals reside in the country, a figure he deems inaccurate. “A nation without reliable data cannot progress, as data is the foundation of effective planning,” he asserted.
As part of the new regulations, expatriates must ensure they exit Nigeria before their visa expires. Any applications for extensions will need to be made from outside the country. “We’re not adding anything new for the landing and exit cards; we’re simply moving to an automated system instead of the outdated paper-based method. It’s time to utilize technology in a country with over 230 million tech-savvy individuals,” he noted.
He warned of severe repercussions for those who overstay, highlighting that individuals who remain in the country beyond their visa period will face significant bans and daily fines. “People claim to be visiting for a couple of weeks, but end up staying for decades. That practice must come to an end,” Tunji-Ojo declared.
While the new measures start on May 1, a three-month grace period will be provided for expatriates to regularize their immigration status before strict enforcement commences in August. Despite the transition to an automated visa process, the Minister confirmed that in-person interviews will still be necessary for standard visa applications.
The new Electronic Visa system, also launching on May 1, is designed to enable applicants to receive their visas within 48 hours, replacing the existing visa-on-arrival process that has been criticized for its susceptibility to corruption. “We are making it easier for tourists and business travelers to access Nigeria. The e-visa eliminates unnecessary hurdles and creates a more efficient and secure system,” Tunji-Ojo remarked.
In a significant move, the Minister also announced a new annual Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance policy, designed to address the financial strain caused by repatriation costs, which often exceed the ministry’s budget. “Last month alone, we ran out of our budget and had to request additional funds to cover repatriation expenses. We need a sustainable solution,” he explained.
Under this new insurance policy, instead of requiring expatriates to pay a large sum for potential repatriation, the government will mandate annual payments that cover repatriation costs, thereby alleviating financial burdens.
“Your stay should be mutually beneficial for both you and Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo noted as he emphasized the mandatory nature of the Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance alongside the CERPAC. He also announced that the CERPAC process will be fully automated, maintaining the current fee structure while integrating with Interpol for enhanced tracking of individuals with potential criminal backgrounds.
Moreover, future immigration violations by foreign employees will now also hold their employers accountable as part of the revamped regulations. The electronic version of the CERPAC is set to be launched on May 1 in tandem with these new measures.
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