By Promise Dera
Copyright nigerianeye
The Nigerian Immigration Service has announced a nationwide enforcement operation, effective today, targeting foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or violated entry conditions.
This decisive move aims to strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s immigration laws and ensure national security.
The operation will focus on several categories of foreign nationals, including holders of expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), expired Single and Multiple-Entry Short Visit or Business Visas, and those with expired Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card (CERPAC).
Individuals found breaching immigration regulations face strict penalties, ranging from fines and deportation to potential re-entry bans.Under the new enforcement measures, penalties are tiered based on the duration of the overstay:
Overstay of less than 3 months: Offenders may face deportation, a fine of $15 per day beyond the permitted stay, or a two-year re-entry ban as an alternative.
Overstay of 3 months to 1 year: Consequences include deportation, a $15 daily fine, or the option of a five-year entry ban.
Overstay exceeding 1 year: Violators risk deportation, a 10-year re-entry ban, or a permanent bar from entering Nigeria.
The Immigration Service emphasized that these measures are part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s immigration system. Authorities urge all foreign nationals to regularize their status or depart the country before enforcement actions intensify.
This crackdown signals Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing its laws while maintaining a welcoming environment for compliant visitors and residents.
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