The Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced a Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme for foreign nationals who failed to regularise their stay after the September 30 visa amnesty deadline.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) for foreign nationals who failed to regularise their stay or leave Nigeria before the Expired Visa Initiative ended on September 30, 2025.
A statement by the Service’s spokesperson, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, said the programme will begin on October 13. “All affected persons are directed to report themselves immediately at the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation,” he said.
Each case will be reviewed individually under the Immigration Act, 2015. The Service warned that foreigners who ignore the directive would face arrest, detention, and deportation with possible entry bans.
The NIS also cautioned that harbouring illegal migrants is a criminal offence. The initiative follows the May 2025 visa amnesty programme, which allowed foreigners with expired visas or residence permits to regularise their stay without penalty before enforcement actions began on October 1.