103 Nigerians who were deported from Turkey due to immigration-related issues, including expired visas and irregular migration, have been handed over to the Federal Government.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made this statement on Friday evening at the deportees’ profiling in Abuja.
Ahmed, represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, the commission’s Director of Migration Affairs, stated that the commission expected 110 deportees but received only 103, all of whom were male.
Mr Bashir Garga, the North-Central Zonal Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told the returnees that the government is ready to assist them through the coordinated efforts of all necessary agencies.
One of the victims, Mr. Arinze Stone, stated that he was detained by Turkish police for around half a year after being apprehended.
Stone stated that he had lived in Turkey for several years doing business.
They were arresting people whose papers were still valid or had recently expired,” he added.
He claimed that since the European Union began paying Turkey for illegal immigrants, the government has stopped issuing and renewing residency permits.
“Every day, the European Union pays 120 euros every immigrant in the Immigration Camp. “I have always renewed my residency permit in Turkey. “It just expired, and Turkish authorities collected 700 euros from me for tax and insurance before cancelling the renewal,” he said.
Stone further stated that the deportation fee of around 2,500 euros, which was meant to be given to each victim, was not paid. Another victim, Mr Moses Emeh, stated that he owned a registered firm in Turkey that had been in operation for over eight years. “I also have a residence permit that was forcibly revoked, but I had planned to convert it into a work permit. “I’m not sure where to start. But I feel this is a diplomatic problem, and I trust our foreign minister to follow up. “I also believe that they should conduct a sensitization programme for Nigerians still living in Turkey since the Turkish government is not being real and transparent with us.”
He stated that he was captured and imprisoned in a dungeon for 11 months and three weeks. “I was told that if I did not sign the deportation forms, I would have to remain in their custody for one to two years, following which I would be freed and given immigration documents to sign before being reintegrated into the system.
However, they never delivered on their promise. “I am also aware that occupying territory without authorization is a crime; yet, mine was forcibly terminated twice, and I took the case to court.
“Since my case was already in court and the court was yet to preside over my case, I don’t think it is acceptable for them to deport me,”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the returnees were given dignity kits, beginning packs, and stipends to help them get to their destinations. (NAN)
What they’re saying
“Now that they are here, after spending several months in the deportation camp, we intend to investigate every allegation made during their profiling.
“Since some of them have stated that their passports have been stolen, we will evaluate the profiling documents.
The passports are still the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so we will follow up with the Turkish authorities,” he said. He claims that regardless of status, the NCFRMI is the required organisation in charge of all returns.
The Federal Commissioner added, “We also have a scheme where we train them and then reintegrate them into society.
In Essence
This situation underscores the complex nature of migration and the interplay between national policies, international agreements, and individual rights.
It emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights standards and maintaining diplomatic channels to resolve such issues amicably.
The deportation incident raises significant questions about migration policies, human rights, and international diplomacy, necessitating thorough investigation and proactive measures to protect the rights and well-being of migrants.
