India Amnesty: 4,000 Nigerians Return Home As Envoy Seeks Extension

More than 4,000 Nigerians have returned home from India under an amnesty programme for undocumented foreigners, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has disclosed.

Muhammad said the initiative had allowed Nigerians living in India without regular immigration status to either regularise their stay or return voluntarily without penalties. He made the disclosure in New Delhi during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents covering the 2026 BRICS Summit.

According to the envoy, the Indian government initially provided a six-month window for the programme but extended it by another three months following his assumption of office. He said Nigeria had now requested a further extension of between three and six months to give more Nigerians the opportunity to regularise their status or return home.

Muhammad, who arrived in India on July 23, said one of his first engagements was a virtual meeting with Nigerians living in different parts of the country. He urged them to obey Indian laws, protect Nigeria’s image and engage only in legitimate activities.

He said members of the Nigerian community raised concerns over visa overstays, renewals and extensions, students’ welfare and medical challenges during the engagement.

The High Commissioner subsequently met officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, including those handling Central and West Africa, to discuss immigration and other issues affecting Nigerian nationals.

Muhammad also highlighted efforts to deepen Nigeria-India relations, saying his meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu on August 24 was “fruitful and cordial”.

He said both countries were exploring stronger cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment.

The envoy said Nigeria was seeking improved access to the Indian market for its businesses while encouraging Indian investors to expand their presence in Nigeria.

Muhammad said he had continued to brief Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his diplomatic activities through regular dispatches since assuming office.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, advancing economic diplomacy and addressing the welfare and concerns of Nigerians living in India.