Nigerian Government has announced new measures regarding visa overstays for expatriates.
Gatekeepers News reports that effective August 1, individuals who exceed their visa duration by more than six months will be subject to a five-year entry ban. If an expatriate overstays for one year or more, the penalty increases to a 10-year ban.
In addition to these bans, a daily fine of $15 will be imposed for each day beyond the visa’s stated exit date.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting with representatives from the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders held in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.
The meeting also served as the platform for unveiling the Ministry of Interior’s new Expatriate Administration System, aimed at improving immigration management.
“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,” he said.
Among the reforms set to roll out from May 1 are the automated Landing and Exit Cards, Electronic Visa, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card.
Others include the Temporary Resident visa, Temporary Work Permit, and revised Expatriate Quota system.
