The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed the return of 103 Nigerians who were deported from Turkey to their home country due to issues like expired visas and irregular migration. During the deportees’ profiling in Abuja, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made this declaration. According to Amb. Catherine Udida, the head of Migration Affairs at the commission who represented him at the event said the commission had anticipated 110 deportees, but only 103 showed up, all of whom were male.
After spending several months in the deportation camp, they have finally arrived here with hopes of pursuing the various claims made against them during their profiling process. The profiling forms will be reviewed as some individuals have reported their passports being confiscated. He promised to contact the Turkish authorities to address the situation, as the passports belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He stated that the NCFRMI is the designated organisation in charge of all repatriates, regardless of their circumstances.
Returnees will be offered programs on training and reintegrating.
He mentioned a program they offer that focuses on training and reintegrating individuals back into society. In the same vein, Mr. Bashir Garga, the coordinator for the North-Central zone of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), guaranteed the returnees that the government is fully prepared to assist them with the collective efforts of various relevant organisations. According to one of the victim’s testimony, during his time in Turkey, Mr. Arinze Stone recounted being apprehended and held in custody at the camp for approximately six months.
Also, Stone claimed to have spent an extended period in Turkey, where he was engaged in business activities. He mentioned that authorities were taking individuals who needed to be updated or expired documentation into custody. He claimed that the government’s halt in issuing and renewing resident permits was a direct result of the European Union’s payments to Turkey for illegal immigrants. Every day, the European Union allocates 120 euros for each immigrant residing in the Immigration Camp. Having lived in Turkey for some time, he made sure to renew his resident permit when necessary.
Victims whose permits were revoked were urged for diplomatic action.
Unfortunately, after it expired, he had to pay 700 euros to the Turkish authorities for Tax and insurance, only to have the renewal cancelled shortly after. He mentioned that the promised deportation payment of about 2,500 euros per victim never materialised. Another individual affected, Mr. Moses Emeh, shared that he had a company officially established in Turkey for over eight years. His resident permit was revoked against his will; however, he had already intended to transform it into a work permit.
Uncertain about where to begin, he views the situation as diplomatic and has faith in the Foreign Affairs minister to handle it accordingly. Emeh believes that a program should be created to raise awareness among Nigerians residing in Turkey due to the Turkish government’s lack of honesty and transparency towards them. He described being locked away in a dark cell for almost a year, recounting his arrest and imprisonment lasting 11 months and three weeks. He was given an ultimatum to either sign the deportation papers or remain in their custody for up to two years.
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They promised his release and the opportunity to sign immigration documents for reintegration, but those promises were never kept. He knew trespassing in another country without permission was illegal, yet he was forcefully removed twice and decided to pursue legal action. He argued that it would only be fair for them to send him away after the court could review his case and decide. According to report, the returnees received dignity kits, starter packs, and stipends to assist in their journey home.