Visa overstays drawing increased enforcement

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Nigeria is stepping up enforcement of visa overstay rules and applying monetary penalties to foreign nationals found to have overstayed their authorized periods of stay.

What does the change mean? Under the e-pass scheme introduced in 2015, foreign (non-ECOWAS) nationals entering on tourist, business or temporary work permit visas for longer than 56 days are required to pay an immigration fee of $200 for stays of up to 90 days, $1,000 for 91 to 180 days and $2,000 for up to one year. Those who have overstayed are liable for fines of 100 percent plus the original e-pass fee if they are found not to have an e-pass. Thus, penalties range from $200 to $4,000.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: E-passes; business and tourist visas.
• Business impact: Business visitors should be aware of the increased enforcement and fines.
• Next steps: Foreign nationals (excluding nationals of ECOWAS countries) who are already in Nigeria should purchase their e-pass at local banks and track their number of days in the country to avoid overstaying. The e-pass form for the desired period of overstay is obtained and processed in-country.

Analysis & Comments: The increased enforcement indicates that Nigerian immigration officials will be more focused on compliance with the e-pass scheme and that travelers will be checked at departure and asked for their e-pass or passport and required to pay fines if they have overstayed their visas.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.