The Federal Government has announced plans to begin tracking, arresting and deporting foreigners who overstay their visas in Nigeria, as part of a nationwide crackdown on irregular migration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during the 2026 Sectoral Performance Review Retreat of the Interior Ministry in Abuja, stating that the government now has the technological capacity and data to identify foreigners who violate visa conditions.
According to the minister, the enforcement drive became possible following the deployment of a new digital immigration monitoring system by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Tunji-Ojo explained that two major platforms, the Integrated Operations Centre and the Network Operations Centre, have been established to strengthen immigration surveillance and compliance monitoring across the country.
He said the systems enable immigration authorities to access records of everyone who has entered Nigeria in the past 10 years, determine their country of origin, verify visa status and identify individuals who have overstayed their visas.
“With these technologies, we now have the capacity to know who entered the country, where they came from and whether they have complied with their visa conditions,” the minister said.
Under the enforcement framework, immigration officials will track foreigners who overstay their visas, apprehend violators, deport those staying illegally and impose fines or entry bans depending on the duration of the overstay.
The government said the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen national border security and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s immigration laws.
Tunji-Ojo noted that many countries enforce strict immigration regulations against Nigerians abroad, adding that Nigeria must also take firm steps to protect its borders and uphold its laws.
Under the new immigration policy, foreigners who overstay their visas may face a $15 fine for each day of overstay. Individuals who remain in the country beyond three months after their visa expiration could face a five-year entry ban, while those who overstay for one year or more may receive a permanent or long-term ban from entering Nigeria.
The policy also allows authorities to deport foreigners found to be residing illegally in the country.
Before launching the crackdown, the government introduced a visa amnesty programme that allowed foreigners with expired visas to regularize their status or leave Nigeria without penalties.
The amnesty programme expired on September 30, 2025, after which immigration authorities commenced enforcement operations nationwide.
As part of wider immigration reforms, the government is also introducing a digital e-visa system, automated landing and exit cards, and enhanced data tracking for international travellers.
Officials say the reforms will enable immigration authorities to electronically monitor the entry and exit of foreigners, improve border management and reduce visa abuse in the country.
The Interior Ministry said the measures are aimed at modernising Nigeria’s immigration system while ensuring that foreigners entering the country comply fully with the nation’s laws.
