Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous travel disruptions globally, as countries have put in place restrictions to help curb the spread of the disease. This has left many individuals stranded in foreign countries. In Nigeria, since Monday 23 March 2020, all international airports in Nigeria have been closed, with only emergency and essential flights exempted from the restriction. 

On 15 April 2020, the spokesman of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Sunday James issued the following statement –

“all visitors and migrants holding valid visitors pass or resident permit with confirmed return tickets scheduled to travel out within the period of the international travel restriction, are to be issued with relevant extensions at no cost to enable the beneficiaries to reschedule their flights and travel within one week whenever the embargo is suspended by the federal government. Furthermore, anyone that overstays beyond the waiver period whenever the restriction is lifted by the federal government is to promptly comply by paying for overstay.”

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola approved the policy in a letter with reference number MI/PM/16012/S.266/V.II, dated 6 April 2020.¹

At a press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, held on 22 April 2020, Mr. Aregbesola reiterated that in light of the shutdown of international airports in the country and the Federal Government lockdown, the NIS has waived all conditions pertaining to Visa, Temporary Work Permit, Residence Permit & Expatriate Quota for foreigners who are affected, until the end of the lockdown and the re-opening of international airports, with the exception of foreigners, whose countries of origin are arranging the evacuation of their citizens.²

It is hoped that the announcement by the NIS should help alleviate the concerns of citizens of foreign countries who have been unable to leave Nigeria due to the lockdown and have been anxious about immigration compliance.

1. https://www.thisdaylive.com/
2. https://twitter.com/