Turkey’s recent deportation of 103 Nigerian nationals has brought to light significant issues concerning visa expiration and irregular migration. Catherine Udida, director of migration affairs at the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), played a pivotal role in overseeing the reception of these deportees at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Despite expecting 110 deportees, only 103 arrived, as mentioned by Udida and represented by Tijani Ahmed, federal commissioner of NCFRMI.
“Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling,” Udida stated, underscoring the importance of addressing the concerns and experiences of the deportees.
A prominent issue raised by some deportees pertained to the seizure of their passports by Turkish authorities. Udida reassured that efforts would be made to engage with Turkish authorities to ensure the return of these passports, emphasizing that they remain the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Among the deportees was Arinze Stone, who recounted a distressing experience of being arrested and detained in a Turkish camp for approximately six months. Stone expressed frustration over the complications he faced in renewing his resident permit, exacerbated by changes in EU policies that now financially support Turkey in managing illegal immigration.
Stone highlighted the financial aspect, noting that the European Union pays 120 euros per immigrant daily in the immigration camps. His own attempt to renew his permit was abruptly halted after paying 700 euros for tax and insurance, only to have the renewal cancelled by Turkish authorities.
Moses Emeh, another deportee who had established a registered company in Turkey, shared his ordeal of being detained for nearly a year. Emeh criticized the Turkish authorities for failing to allow him to complete his legal proceedings regarding his residency status before deportation. Despite his case being unresolved in court, Emeh voiced his dissatisfaction with the deportation process.
Bashir Garga, the north-central zonal coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), assured the deportees of government support. Garga emphasized collaborative efforts among relevant agencies to provide assistance and address the challenges faced by the returnees.
The deportation of these Nigerian nationals sheds light on the complexities immigrants encounter in navigating legal residency and migration policies in foreign countries. It underscores the need for robust support systems and advocacy to protect the rights of migrants and ensure fair treatment under international law.
The experiences shared by Arinze Stone, Moses Emeh, and others highlight systemic issues in the implementation of immigration policies and the challenges faced by migrants seeking legal status abroad. The role of organizations like NCFRMI and NEMA remains crucial in advocating for the rights and welfare of deported individuals and addressing the broader implications of international migration policies.