Nigerians seeking better opportunities in Europe have faced a series of deportations from various countries in the past nine months, according to a report by Punch newspaper. Based on data from migration agencies, the report revealed that at least 170 Nigerians were deported from Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, and others between January and September 2023.
The deportees, mostly asylum seekers, were sent back to Nigeria on chartered flights for immigration offenses or having their applications rejected or delayed. Some of them included minors, mothers, and people with health issues. The report also cited cases of harassment, humiliation, and death of Nigerians at the hands of immigration officers.
The deportations reflect a growing trend of tightening migration policies across Europe, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of refugees from war-torn countries. In June, EU interior ministers agreed to intern refugees in camps at the EU’s external borders and deport them to almost any developing country. Human rights groups have criticized the fast-track procedures for violating the right to asylum and endangering the lives of vulnerable people.
Nigeria is one of the countries with a low recognition rate for asylum claims in the EU, meaning that most Nigerians are unlikely to be granted protection. According to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), asylum procedures for Nigerians take more than a year on average, while other countries like Sweden and Lithuania have also increased their deportations of Nigerian nationals.
The report quoted an executive director of a non-governmental organization that works with returnees, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, who said that the deportees face challenges of reintegration and trauma. She called for more collaboration between European countries and Nigeria to manage migration flows and prevent the need for such deportations. She also suggested policy reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation to address the issue.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rhoda Iliya, could not be reached for comment on the report.
Despite the risks and difficulties, many Nigerians still aspire to travel abroad in search of greener pastures. However, some have also found success and opportunities in their home country, as Nigeria boasts a vibrant economy, culture, and entertainment industry.
Source: Punch
