The Federal Government has said foreign nationals with expired visas in the country have till September 30 to regularise their immigration status.

In a statement obtained on Sunday, the government said, in a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s immigration system and promote compliance with the new visa regime, it had declared an amnesty window for foreign nationals currently residing in the country with expired visas or immigration permits.

The initiative, known as the Expired Visa Initiative, was jointly announced by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“The amnesty, which took effect from May 1, 2025, will remain open until September 30, 2025.

“It provides a unique opportunity for foreigners whose visas have lapsed or who have overstayed their visa terms to regularise their immigration status without facing penalties,” the statement said.

According to the statement issued by the NIS, the amnesty covers foreign nationals with expired Visas on Arrival, as well as those holding expired Single or Multiple-Entry Visas.

It also applies to individuals whose Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card has expired for over 30 days without renewal.

It noted that all affected individuals should complete the regularisation process through the dedicated online portal before the end of the grace period.

Speaking on the development, the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, stated that the amnesty underscored the government’s commitment to lawful migration, national security, and transparency.

He affirmed that the NIS would continue to improve the efficiency and integrity of immigration processes across the country.

“The initiative is expected to bring relief to many expatriates and foreign residents in Nigeria who have struggled to renew their documentation due to various challenges,” the statement added. (The PUNCH)