The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a new initiative known as the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation (PAVRD) Programme, aimed at providing foreign nationals residing illegally in the country with an opportunity to regularize their stay or return to their home countries voluntarily.

In a public notice issued by the Service, the NIS said the programme is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen border management, national security, and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s immigration laws in a humane and orderly manner.

According to the notice, the PAVRD programme is designed to allow undocumented migrants particularly those who failed to take advantage of previous amnesty windows to either obtain valid residence documentation or return voluntarily without facing prosecution or penalties.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service is committed to maintaining an orderly and lawful immigration system that respects human rights while safeguarding national interests,” the statement read.

The Service explained that the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with relevant government agencies, foreign embassies, and international organizations involved in migration management and humanitarian assistance.

Under the PAVRD framework, eligible foreign nationals are encouraged to report to designated immigration offices across the country for profiling, documentation, and guidance on the next steps.

The NIS further stated that the programme reflects Nigeria’s balanced approach to migration governance, combining enforcement with compassion and international best practices.

It also warned that at the conclusion of the PAVRD window, foreigners who fail to comply with the voluntary return or documentation process may face arrest, detention, and deportation in accordance with existing immigration laws.

The public notice emphasized that the NIS remains committed to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s international obligations on migration management.