Nigeria Introduces Lifetime Ban, $15 Daily Fine for Those Who Overstay Visas

 On April 10, 2025, Nigeria’s Immigration Service unveiled a tough new policy targeting visa overstays, set to take effect this month, which includes a lifetime entry ban and a $15 daily fine for violators.

Announced by Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap during a press briefing in Abuja, the measures aim to strengthen border security and curb irregular migration, which Nandap linked to rising crime and economic strain. The policy mandates fines from the first day a visa expires, accruing until the individual leaves or is detained, with mandatory biometric registration to track offenders.

Those caught will face deportation and a permanent bar from returning, a move Nandap said mirrors policies in countries like the UAE and Canada. She revealed that 12,000 overstays were recorded in 2024, mostly involving tourists and business travelers from West Africa and Asia.

The announcement has stirred controversy. Tourism operators, like Lagos-based Funmi Adebayo of TravelEasy, warn that the harsh penalties could scare off investors and visitors, noting Nigeria’s already complex visa process deters arrivals compared to Ghana or Kenya. Human rights groups, including Citizens’ Voice, raised concerns about potential abuses during enforcement, fearing profiling of African and minority communities. Nandap defended the policy, citing $200 millio

Nn in unpaid visa fees over five years and promising fair implementation. Public reactions on social media range from support for tighter controls to calls for reciprocity against countries with similar rules. As Nigeria joins nations like South Africa in cracking down on overstays, the policy tests its balance between security and openness in a globalized world.