How to sort out overstay issue with immigration?

Member since 02 September 2017

Baba101Member02 September 2017 09:12:53

Hello,my name is Baba...I'm a Nigerian descent even though I used to live in the U.K before I moved to Ghana last year September.

I came into GH with my Nigerian passport and I was stamped in to stay for 60 days which expired 31st October 2016.

I wasn't sure if I was going to stay here full time as at the time I was coming, but I later made up my mind to stay afterwards...

I live in the Northern region at the moment. I'm planning to even start a business as well but it is almost impossible to do anything (business registration, account opening etc) cos I would need my ID card (The International passport) , and I know they would figure out I have overstayed.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or do you have an idea of how I can sort this out.

Your two penny contribution would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

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hkann Ghana Expert

Member since 10 March 2010

hkannGhana Expert02 September 2017 11:28:49

1191

You will either have to go to Immigration and pay the overstay fee and then leave the country and get a new visa or leave the country and go to Nigeria on a visit and get another visa and when you arrive change it to a resident's permit.
Are you sure you actually need a visa if you ate Nigerian? I thought travellers from ECOWAS countries can travel without one. You need to check

Abokobi Member

Member since 17 August 2012

AbokobiMember06 November 2017 15:33:53

You will need to pay a fine for overstaying the time granted upon entrance.As a Nigerian you don't need a visa and the fine for an Ecowas citizen for overstaying is lower than for other nationals.It's a certain amount per month.After settling that you can apply for a residence permit which will enable you to open a bank account.

ikechukwuemmanuel38 Member

Member since 14 February 2022

ikechukwuemmanuel38Member14 February 2022 01:10:44

This is a question that has been on my mind...
Is it possible to bypass my Ghana overstay and go back to Nigeria by road to acquire a visa and ticket to another country? Or would it get to be a problem on my passport.

nurudenlawalesq Member

Member since 14 February 2022

nurudenlawalesqMember14 February 2022 07:07:46

@ikechukwu, if you know what to do, and with a little amount, you can get your passport stamped at the border exit gate at Aflao

MrsFA Member

Member since 19 February 2023

MrsFAMember19 February 2023 20:31:05

Pls how did you resolve this?

Thanks

spencermnx3 Member

Member since 09 April 2023

spencermnx3Member09 April 2023 13:38:10

How do I get a resident's permit in Ghana?

hkann Ghana Expert

Member since 10 March 2010

hkannGhana Expert09 April 2023 14:10:44

1191

You come in on a visitor's visa and then apply for a resident's permit. You will need a sponsor of some kind to act as a sort of guarantor. A resident's permit only allows you to stay in Ghana, it doesn't allow you to work. For that you need an employer who will apply for a work permit on your behalf.

ebunidowu85 Member

Member since 24 April 2023

ebunidowu85Member24 April 2023 20:59:59

Pls I. Would like to know if, one has to pay the overstay fee before going back to one's country (ECOWAS) or one can easily pay it at the border (for those going by road)?