The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has began a Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) to assist foreign nationals, who failed to regularise 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.
According to NIS 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.
According to the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI A.S Akinlabi, “This measure ensures fair treatment while upholding Nigeria’s immigration laws.”
He further explained that the initiative supports humane and orderly migration management.
NIS pointed out that any foreign national, who fails to comply with the directive risks arrest, detention, and removal from Nigeria.
It added that such individuals may also face long-term entry bans, as provided in accordance with existing immigration laws.
The Service warned that aiding or harbouring illegal immigrants remains a serious offense under Nigerian law, while cautioning that any breach of the conditions of regularisation of stay attracts prosecution.
According to NIS, “Individuals, companies, and organisations must avoid such infractions to prevent legal consequences.”
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.
The essence of the programe, NIS explained is 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.
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