The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced a Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) to assist foreign nationals who failed to regularize their stay during the recently concluded visa amnesty exercise.
The initiative, which takes effect from October 13, 2025, follows the expiration of the Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) on September 30, 2025. It provides an opportunity for affected individuals to report voluntarily to the nearest Immigration Command for registration and proper documentation.
Under the new Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return programme, each individual’s case will be reviewed separately to determine the appropriate action in line with the Immigration Act, 2015 and other existing regulations.
“This measure ensures fair treatment while upholding Nigeria’s immigration laws,” ACI A.S Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer explained, adding that the initiative supports humane and orderly migration management.
The Service emphasized that any foreign national who fails to comply with the directive risks arrest, detention, and removal from Nigeria. Such individuals may also face long-term entry bans, as provided under existing immigration laws.
Furthermore, the NIS warned that aiding or harbouring illegal immigrants remains a serious offense under Nigerian law. It also cautioned that any breach of the conditions of regularization of stay attracts prosecution.
“Individuals, companies, and organizations must avoid such infractions to prevent legal consequences,” the NIS stated.
The Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return scheme is part of the Service’s broader commitment to humane, seamless, and orderly migration, while reinforcing national security through effective migration management systems.
With this initiative, the NIS aims to balance compassion with compliance, ensuring that those who voluntarily come forward are given fair assessment, while maintaining Nigeria’s commitment to lawful migration control.
