The Federal Government and Türkiye are considering a new migration framework that would allow undocumented Nigerian migrants in the European nation to return home voluntarily instead of facing deportation.
The proposal emerged during a meeting between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and a delegation from the Turkish Diaspora Community in Abuja.
Speaking during the engagement, the Head of Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, Hunkar Burkan Ibin, disclosed that both countries were working towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at facilitating voluntary return and reintegration for affected Nigerians.
According to him, the planned arrangement will provide returnees with counselling services, skills assessment programmes, and economic support to aid their reintegration into society upon arrival in Nigeria.
Ibin explained that the initiative reflects Türkiye’s desire to adopt a more humane and sustainable approach to tackling irregular migration, noting that although the number of undocumented Nigerians in the country remains relatively low, the focus is on encouraging voluntary return rather than enforcing compulsory removals.
Responding, the Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the proposal and urged Nigerians residing in Türkiye without valid documentation to embrace the programme once it becomes operational.
She reiterated the Federal Government’s stance against irregular migration, warning that living conditions abroad were becoming increasingly difficult, including for some migrants with valid travel and residency documents.
Dabiri-Erewa added that NIDCOM would collaborate with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as civil society organisations, to sensitise Nigerians on the proposed scheme and the dangers associated with undocumented migration.
She stressed the need for greater public awareness to discourage irregular migration while promoting safe and lawful migration pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
