The Federal Government has announced stricter immigration penalties, warning that expatriates who overstay their visas beyond six months will face a five-year entry ban, while overstaying for one year will attract a 10-year ban.

Additionally, the government said overstaying will incur a daily fine of $15, starting from the visa?s stated exit date, effective from August 1. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during a meeting with the Organised Private Sector and other stakeholders at the Nigeria Employers? Consultative Association House in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday.

Tunji-Ojo made the announcement while unveiling the Ministry of Interior?s new Expatriate Administration System.

Among the reforms set to roll out from May 1 are the automated Landing and Exit Cards, Electronic Visa, Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance, and an upgraded Combined Expatriate Resident Permit and Alien Card.

Others include the Temporary Resident visa, Temporary Work Permit, and revised Expatriate Quota system.

Tunji-Ojo said the measures aim to curb visa overstays and obtain accurate data on expatriates in Nigeria.

?Our records indicate fewer than 50,000 expatriates in Nigeria, which we know is inaccurate. We need to establish the true number of foreigners living in the country. A nation without reliable data cannot progress, as data is the foundation of effective planning,? he said.

Under the new system, he explained that Landing and Exit Cards would be automated, adding that expatriates must exit the country on or before their visa expiry date and apply for extensions only from outside Nigeria.

?This is serious. We?re not introducing anything new regarding the landing and exit card, just automating the current paper-based process. In a country of over 230 million intelligent, tech-savvy people, we shouldn?t be using paper cards. Going forward, you must complete your landing and exit cards online,? he said.

He added that the automated process would help track overstayers.

?If you overstay, there will be consequences. Overstaying by six months attracts a five-year ban; one year attracts a 10-year ban. There is also a $15 daily overstay penalty. People claim to be visiting Nigeria for two weeks but stay for 30 years working ? that must end,? he said.

While the new measures take effect from May 1, a three-month moratorium will be given to allow expatriates to regularize their status before strict enforcement begins in August.

Despite the automation of visa processes, in-person interviews will still be required for standard visa applications.

According to the Minister, the new Electronic Visa system, also launching on May 1, will allow applicants to obtain visas within 48 hours.

This replaces the existing visa-on-arrival regime, which he described as vulnerable to corruption and influence-peddling.

?We?re introducing the e-visa to make access to Nigeria easier for tourists and business travellers. Globally, population equals market, and we want to open our borders to legitimate opportunities. The e-visa eliminates bottlenecks. No more lobbying. It?s a seamless and secure system,? Tunji-Ojo stated.

He further announced the introduction of an annual Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance policy. This, he said, was necessary due to the ministry consistently exceeding its budget for repatriating Nigerians.

?We spend billions annually on repatriation. Just a month ago, we had exhausted our yearly budget and had to request an extra N25m. That money should be used to build infrastructure, not deport individuals. We needed a sustainable solution,? he said.

He explained that instead of demanding a lump sum for repatriation, which could exceed $10,000, the government has opted for a mandatory insurance policy.

Under this scheme, the insurance company covers repatriation costs for defaulters, saving the government money.

?All over the world, there?s personal liability insurance. Your stay here should benefit both you and the host country ? not leave Nigeria worse off. The Expatriate Comprehensive Insurance is now mandatory and will be paid annually along with the CERPAC,? he said.

He also revealed that the CERPAC process would be fully automated, with no increase in fees. ?The system will be integrated with Interpol to enhance the tracking of criminals and individuals with questionable intentions,? Tunji-Ojo added.

Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that employers would now be held accountable for immigration violations committed by their foreign employees.

The electronic version of CERPAC is also scheduled to launch on May 1. (The PUNCH)

Update news