The government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a new immigration agreement aimed at facilitating the deportation of Nigerians who no longer have the legal right to remain in Britain.
The deal was concluded during the recent state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the UK on March 18 and 19. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood.
According to the Nigerian presidency, the agreement is designed to strengthen cooperation between both countries on migration management and the repatriation of individuals without legal residency in the UK.
Deportation Limited to Nigerians
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga clarified that the agreement applies strictly to Nigerian nationals. He stated that the 12-page memorandum does not require Nigeria to accept deportees of other nationalities.
The categories of persons who may be returned under the agreement include failed asylum seekers, convicted criminals, and individuals who have overstayed their visas.
Personal Belongings Protected
A key provision in the agreement allows deportees to return to Nigeria with their legally acquired personal belongings. The memorandum states that individuals scheduled for deportation will be given time to arrange the transfer or disposal of their property before leaving the UK.
Identification and Verification
Before deportation takes place, Nigerian immigration officials will conduct identification checks in the UK to verify the nationality of the individuals involved. The UK authorities will coordinate the deportation process and provide detailed information about each returnee at least five working days before the scheduled return.
Returnees may travel using a valid passport or, in some cases, through a special identification document known as a UK Letter if biometric verification confirms the individual’s identity.
Appeal Rights
The agreement also provides room for appeals. Individuals facing deportation may challenge the decision based on domestic or international human rights laws. Appeals may arise in cases where individuals have lived most of their lives in the UK or may face serious difficulties reintegrating into Nigeria.
Reintegration Support
Under the deal, deported individuals will receive support upon arrival in Nigeria. Assistance may include airport reception, temporary accommodation, transportation, and small financial support.
The agreement also provides access to reintegration programmes such as vocational training, job placement support, and entrepreneurship funding to help returnees rebuild their lives.
Duration of Agreement
The memorandum will remain in force for an initial period of five years, with the option of renewal for another five-year term if both countries agree.
The Nigeria-UK deportation arrangement represents a new phase of cooperation between the two countries on migration issues, while also outlining procedures intended to protect the rights and dignity of those being returned.
