Abuja, Nigeria – July, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive to all foreign nationals residing in the country with expired or irregular immigration status to regularise their stay before August 1, 2025, or face sanctions, including possible deportation.
This warning was announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following intensified efforts to strengthen national security and ensure proper documentation of all foreigners living in Nigeria.
The Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, stated that the move is in line with the agency’s mandate to maintain a secure and transparent immigration system that protects the integrity of Nigeria’s borders. She emphasized that foreigners found to have overstayed their visa or who have failed to comply with Nigeria’s immigration laws must take advantage of the grace period to update their records.
“All foreign nationals in Nigeria whose visas or residency documents have expired are advised to visit the nearest immigration office to regularise their status before the August 1 deadline,” the NIS boss stated.
She further stressed that after the deadline, the Service will commence a nationwide enforcement exercise in collaboration with other security agencies to identify and remove defaulters.
The NIS also warned employers, landlords, and institutions hosting foreigners to ensure that their guests or employees are in full compliance with immigration laws to avoid penalties.
This policy is part of broader national efforts to enhance internal security, streamline immigration processes, and ensure that Nigeria remains hospitable to law-abiding foreign investors, visitors, and residents.
