Undocumented Nigerians living in Türkiye may soon have access to a structured voluntary return and reintegration programme as both countries move to strengthen cooperation on migration management and diaspora affairs.
The initiative, currently being developed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Türkiye, is designed to provide undocumented migrants with an alternative to deportation by offering support for their safe return and reintegration into society.
The proposal was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja between officials of Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), with discussions centered on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on voluntary return and reintegration.
Leading the Turkish delegation, Hunkar Burkan Ibin, Head of Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, said the programme reflects Türkiye’s commitment to a more humane and sustainable migration policy.
He explained that although the number of undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye remains relatively low, authorities are seeking to establish a framework that prioritises voluntary return over forced deportation.
According to him, undocumented migrants apprehended by Turkish authorities are currently placed in administrative detention centres while travel documents are processed through the Nigerian Embassy before deportation procedures begin.
However, migrants who voluntarily choose to return home under the proposed arrangement would be eligible for reintegration assistance aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and secure sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria.
“The programme will provide counselling, skills assessments and tailored assistance to help returnees become self-sufficient and reintegrate successfully into their communities,” Ibin said.
Responding, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, , welcomed the initiative and described it as another milestone in the growing partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye.
She noted that Türkiye was the first country to sign a diaspora-focused Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria, reflecting the strong ties between both nations.
Dabiri-Erewa encouraged undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye to take advantage of the proposed scheme once it becomes operational, assuring them that NiDCOM would work closely with Turkish authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation.
“We will serve as a bridge between the Turkish authorities and Nigerians interested in returning home while ensuring that all commitments made to participants are fulfilled,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss also reiterated the Federal Government’s position against irregular migration, warning that migration pathways across the world are becoming increasingly restrictive, even for those with valid travel documents.
She disclosed that the Commission would collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the , to sensitise Nigerians on the opportunities available under the voluntary return programme and the risks associated with undocumented migration.
Members of the Turkish delegation revealed that consultations are ongoing with key Nigerian institutions to finalise the framework for the initiative before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
They said engagements have already been held with the NCFRMI, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the , while additional consultations are planned with the .
Once operational, the programme is expected to provide undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye with a safer and more dignified pathway home while strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration governance between the two countries.
The initiative also aligns with broader international efforts to promote orderly migration, protect migrant rights and ensure that returnees receive adequate support to reintegrate economically and socially upon their return home.