The Nigeria Immigration Service Introduces Post- Amnesty Documentation Programme

INTRODUCTION

Following the conclusion of its Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) in September 2025¹ , the Nigeria Immigration Service ("NIS") has introduced the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme ("PAVRDP"). This programme, which commenced on 13th October 2025, is specifically for all foreign nationals who failed to take advantage of the Amnesty to regularise their stay or exit the country² .

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS IN NIGERIA

Under the new directive, all foreign nationals whose authorised stay in Nigeria has expired and who missed the Amnesty deadline are now considered to have breached their Visa conditions and are required to report themselves immediately at the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation under the PAVRDP. Upon documentation, each individual's circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis before an appropriate action is determined under the provisions of the Immigration