The federal government has announced that it will begin a strict crackdown on irregular migrants across the country starting August 1.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Abuja on Tuesday.
He stated that irregular migrants would be given a three-month grace period, beginning May 1, to regularize their status in line with established immigration laws.
“From August 1, there will be full enforcement against irregular migrants. We urge affected individuals to use this window of opportunity to comply with immigration regulations,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also announced that the new Expatriate Administration System (EAS) would take effect from May 1, with enforcement set to begin in August.
He added that an immigration amnesty program would run during this period to help migrants meet legal requirements.
Speaking on corporate compliance, the minister warned that companies obstructing the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) from carrying out its duties would face consequences.
“The era of some companies blocking immigration officers from performing their duties is over. The NIS has a legal mandate to enforce immigration laws, and no organization will be allowed to interfere with that,” he stated.
He further stressed that firms found guilty of preventing immigration officers from executing their responsibilities would face serious penalties.
Additionally, he disclosed that fees related to citizenship and business permits had been reviewed to promote sustainability.
“We have reached a consensus with stakeholders, and an official breakdown of the revised fees will be provided soon,” he concluded.
