The Nigerian government has announced plans to launch a nationwide crackdown on irregular migrants starting August 1, 2024.
This follows the introduction of the new Expatriate Administration System (EAS), designed to enhance migration management and enforce compliance with immigration laws.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the enforcement of the EAS aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring that expatriates operate within the confines of Nigerian laws.
Dr Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Abuja.
Dr Tunji-Ojo stated that “a three-month grace period, from May 1 to August 1, has been granted for expatriates and affected organisations to regularise their immigration status before enforcement begins.”
“There will be something like an immigration amnesty programme for the regularisation of due processes for three months,” the Minister explained, urging affected individuals and companies to take advantage of the window.
Warning
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also issued a stern warning to companies that obstruct the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) from performing its lawful duties, stating that “such actions would no longer be tolerated.”
“We agreed that the era when some companies behave irresponsibly by blocking, distorting, or evading immigration laws is over. The government will no longer condone such infractions,” he asserted.
VON