Immigration Act, 2015
The Immigration Act governs the entry, residence, and departure of foreign nationals in Nigeria. Enacted in 2015, it replaced the Immigration Act of 1963 and provides the modern legal framework for immigration control. The Act establishes visa categories, residence permits, work permits, and the powers of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Legal area: Law governing the entry, residence, and status of foreign nationals.
Year enacted: 2015
Full text: https://lawsofnigeria.placng.org/laws/immigration-act.html
Key Provisions
- Part II: Entry requirements and visa categories
- Part III: Permits and authorizations including work and residence permits
- Part IV: Deportation and removal of foreign nationals
- Part V: Offences relating to illegal entry, forgery of travel documents, and trafficking
- Section 15: Powers of immigration officers
- Section 31: Penalties for employment of illegal immigrants
Significance
The Immigration Act 2015 modernized Nigeria’s immigration framework, replacing over 50-year-old legislation. It introduced new visa categories and strengthened border controls. The Act also addresses human trafficking and illegal migration, reflecting Nigeria’s position as both a source and transit country for migration.