Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), DCG Kemi Nandap
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a new initiative, the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP), aimed at undocumented foreign nationals who missed the deadline for visa regularisation under the Expired Visa Amnesty, which concluded on September 30, 2025.
This was announced in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the NIS, the PAVRDP will officially begin on October 13, offering a final opportunity for affected migrants to voluntarily present themselves at the nearest Immigration Command for registration and proper documentation.
> “Each individual’s case will be evaluated separately,” the statement noted, “with decisions taken in accordance with the Immigration Act, 2015 and its accompanying regulations.”
The Service made it clear that those who fail to take advantage of this window and continue to reside in Nigeria illegally will face the full force of the law.
> “Defaulters will be arrested, detained, and deported,” it warned, “with long-term entry bans imposed as stipulated by Nigeria’s immigration laws.”
The NIS also issued a strong caution to citizens, organisations, and businesses against harbouring or aiding undocumented immigrants, stressing that such acts are punishable under Nigerian law.
In addition, any violation of visa conditions or regularisation terms would be treated as an offence, and those involved risk legal action and prosecution.
> “The NIS remains committed to promoting humane, seamless, and orderly migration,” the agency stated, “while ensuring compliance with immigration laws and bolstering national security through effective migration management.”
The launch of PAVRDP reflects the Service’s drive to maintain a balanced immigration framework that upholds the law while offering fair and transparent channels for foreign nationals to correct their status.
