Türkiye Launches Voluntary Return Program for Nigerians

Türkiye is moving to replace forced deportations of undocumented Nigerian migrants with a voluntary return and reintegration program. This initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja, where Turkish officials, including Hunkar Burkan, head of migration management, proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria.

The program aims to provide support for returnees to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Türkiye's role as a key partner for Nigeria in diaspora matters.

The current system involves apprehending undocumented migrants and deporting them, but the new proposal allows for voluntary return with access to reintegration assistance. NIDCOM plans to collaborate with relevant agencies to inform Nigerians in Türkiye about the program and the risks associated with undocumented migration.

The Turkish delegation is also set to engage with Nigerian immigration services to finalize the operational framework for the program.