Section 19: Stay of proceedings in respect of illegal entry.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Immigration Act, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person or any member of his family in respect of unlawful entry into or unlawful presence within Nigeria, where the person - [Act No. 8,2015](a) applies under section 16 of this Act for the grant of a refugee status, unless -
(i) a decision has been made on the application, and
(ii) the applicant had an opportunity of exhausting his right of appeal under that section; or
(b) has been granted refugee status.