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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal Government has announced a significant tightening of its immigration policies, introducing stringent penalties for expatriates who overstay their visa stipulations
According to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, those who remain in the country for more than six months beyond their visa’s expiration date will face a five-year ban on re-entry.
This penalty escalates to a ten-year entry ban for overstays exceeding one year.
Speaking at a meeting with the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, Tunji-Ojo also revealed that a daily fine of $15 will be levied on individuals who overstay their visas, effective from August 1.
These measures were unveiled as part of the Ministry of Interior’s new Expatriate Administration System, which Tunji-Ojo presented during the meeting.
The Minister emphasized that these reforms, set to roll out from May 1, are aimed at curbing visa overstays and establishing a reliable database of expatriates residing in Nigeria.
The upcoming reforms include the implementation of automated Landing and Exit Cards, an Electronic Visa system, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC).
Additionally, the government will introduce a Temporary Resident visa, a Temporary Work Permit, and a revised Expatriate Quota system.
The Minister also highlighted the critical need for accurate data on expatriates in Nigeria, stating, “Our records indicate fewer than 50,000 expatriates in Nigeria, which we know is inaccurate. We need to establish the true number of foreigners living in the country. A nation without reliable data cannot progress, as data is the foundation of effective planning.”
Explaining the new system, he noted that the Landing and Exit Cards would be automated, moving away from the current paper-based process.
“This is serious. We’re not introducing anything new regarding the landing and exit card, just automating the current paper-based process. In a country of over 230 million intelligent, tech-savvy people, we shouldn’t be using paper cards.
“Going forward, you must complete your landing and exit cards online,” the Minister asserted.
He added that the automation would facilitate the tracking of individuals who overstay their permitted time in Nigeria.
“If you overstay, there will be consequences.
Overstaying by six months attracts a five-year ban; one year attracts a 10-year ban. There is also a $15 daily overstay penalty. People claim to be visiting Nigeria for two weeks but stay for 30 years working — that must end,” Tunji-Ojo declared.
While the new measures are scheduled to take effect from May 1, a three-month grace period will be provided to allow expatriates to regularize their immigration status before strict enforcement commences in August.
Despite the move towards automation, in-person interviews will still be a requirement for standard visa applications.
The Minister also announced the launch of the Electronic Visa system on May 1, promising a significantly faster processing time of within 48 hours.
This new system will replace the existing visa-on-arrival regime, which Tunji-Ojo described as “vulnerable to corruption and influence-peddling.”
He continued, “We’re introducing the e-visa to make access to Nigeria easier for tourists and business travellers. Globally, population equals market, and we want to open our borders to legitimate opportunities. The e-visa eliminates bottlenecks. No more lobbying. It’s a seamless and secure system.”
In a move to address the financial burden of repatriation of Nigerians, Tunji-Ojo announced the introduction of an annual Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance policy.
He explained, “We spend billions annually on repatriation. Just a month ago, we had exhausted our yearly budget and had to request an extra N25m. That money should be used to build infrastructure, not deport individuals. We needed a sustainable solution.”
Instead of requiring a potentially high lump sum for repatriation, the mandatory insurance policy will ensure that the insurance company bears these costs for defaulters, thus saving government funds.
“All over the world, there’s personal liability insurance. Your stay here should benefit both you and the host country — not leave Nigeria worse off. The Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance is now mandatory and will be paid annually along with the CERPAC,” he clarified.
The automation of the CERPAC process, also set for launch on May 1, will not involve any fee increases. Tunji-Ojo noted that “The system will be integrated with Interpol to enhance the tracking of criminals and individuals with questionable intentions.”
Furthermore, Minister Tunji-Ojo made it clear that employers will now be held responsible for immigration violations committed by their foreign employees. The electronic version of CERPAC is also slated to be launched on May 1.