The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the introduction of the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) for foreign nationals who failed to regularise their stay or exit Nigeria during the recently concluded Expired Visa Initiative, which ended on September 30, 2025.
The new initiative was confirmed in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the NIS, the Post-Amnesty Programme will officially commence on October 13, 2025, and will provide an opportunity for affected foreign nationals to voluntarily report to the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation.
“All affected persons are directed to report themselves immediately at the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation,” the statement read.
Assessment and Compliance Process
The Service stated that each individual’s case would be handled based on its specific circumstances in accordance with the Immigration Act, 2015, and relevant regulations.
“Upon documentation, each individual will have his or her circumstances assessed on a case-by-case basis before an appropriate action is determined under the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015 and related Regulations,” Akinlabi explained.
The NIS further warned that any foreign national who fails to comply with the new directive would face arrest, detention, and removal from Nigeria, with the possibility of a long-term entry ban.
“Any foreigner who has breached the conditions of his or her visa and fails to report will be arrested, detained, and removed from Nigeria, as provided by extant immigration laws,” the statement added.
Harbouring Illegal Migrants Now a Punishable Offence
The Service also cautioned individuals, organisations, and corporate entities against harbouring or aiding illegal migrants, stressing that such actions constitute offences under Nigerian law.
It reiterated that violations of visa conditions or residency regularisation attract prosecution and potential penalties.
Background: Expired Visa Amnesty Initiative
The PAVRDP follows the conclusion of the Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), launched on May 1, 2025, to allow foreign nationals with expired visas or residence permits to regularise their stay without penalties.
Initially set to end on August 1, 2025, the amnesty period was extended to September 30, 2025, to accommodate more affected individuals. The initiative covered foreigners with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), single and multiple-entry visas, and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) that had lapsed beyond 30 days.
Following the expiration of the grace period, the NIS began nationwide enforcement operations on October 1, 2025, targeting individuals who failed to regularise their status or leave the country.
Akinlabi emphasised that the Service remains committed to upholding Nigeria’s immigration integrity and ensuring compliance with its laws.
