By IBIRONKE ARIYO

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has commenced enforcement action nationwide against foreign nationals who overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions in Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, said that the action followed the expiration of the Federal Government’s Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), which ended by midnight of September 30th.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the amnesty programme, announced on July 5, allowed foreigners with expired immigration status to regularize their stay in Nigeria without penalties.

Akinlabi said that the enforcement exercise, effective October 1st, would target categories of foreigners.

This, he said, included holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), holders of expired single and multiple-entry short visit or business visas as well as individuals with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).

Akinlabi said that foreign nationals found to have violated Nigeria’s immigration laws would face sanctions, including payment of overstay penalties, removal from the country, and possible restrictions from future entry into Nigeria.

He also outlined applicable overstay penalties and entry restrictions as follows:

“Less than three months overstay attracts removal, a fine of 15 dollars per day for each day overstayed, or an option of a two-year entry ban.

“Overstay between three months and one year attracts removal, 15 dollars per day penalty or a five-year entry ban.

“Overstay of one year and above attracts removal and a 10-year or permanent entry ban, “he emphasized.

The SPRO reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring lawful migration, safeguarding national security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes. (NAN)