The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme for foreign nationals.

In a statement on Friday, the NIS said that the PAVRDP were for those who failed to regularise their stay or exit the country during the Expired Visa Initiative, which ended on September 30.

It said the Post-Amnesty Programme, which would commence on October 13, was designed to provide an opportunity for affected foreign nationals.

The NIS said this would involve individuals voluntarily reporting themselves at the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation.

Upon documentation, the NIS considered each individual’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis before determining an appropriate action in line with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 2015, and related regulations.

The NIS warned that any foreigner who breached the conditions of their visa and failed to report to the NIS would be arrested.

“They will be detained and removed from Nigeria as provided by extant immigration laws, with long-term entry bans applied,” NIS said.

The NIS further cautioned that aiding and harbouring illegal immigrants remained a punishable offence under Nigerian law. The NIS added that breaching the conditions of regularization of stay also constituted an offence, advising individuals, companies, and organisations to desist from such acts to avoid prosecution.

“The NIS remains committed to promoting humane, seamless, and orderly migration, ensuring compliance with extant immigration laws, and strengthening national security through effective migration management,” the NIS said.

(NAN)