Nigeria, Türkiye Move to Launch Voluntary Return Scheme for Undocumented Migrants

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Türkiye are advancing plans to establish a voluntary return and reintegration programme for undocumented Nigerian migrants living in Türkiye, in a move aimed at reducing forced deportations and supporting returnees with economic and social reintegration assistance.

The proposed initiative was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja between officials of Türkiye’s migration management authority and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as both countries work towards signing 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 the country’s commitment to a more humane approach to managing irregular migration.

According to Ibin, while the number of undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye remains relatively small, authorities are keen to establish a framework that encourages voluntary return rather than deportation.

He explained that under existing procedures, undocumented migrants apprehended in Türkiye are usually placed in administrative detention centres while travel documentation is processed through the Nigerian Embassy before deportation.

However, he noted that migrants who voluntarily opt to return home would benefit from structured reintegration support designed to help them rebuild their lives in Nigeria.

“The programme will provide counselling, skills assessments and tailored assistance to help returnees become self-sustaining upon their return to Nigeria,” Ibin said.

Responding, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, , welcomed the initiative and described Türkiye as one of Nigeria’s most important partners in diaspora engagement.

She noted that the first diaspora-focused Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria with another country was with Türkiye, highlighting the longstanding cooperation between both nations on migration and diaspora issues.

Dabiri-Erewa urged undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye to take advantage of the proposed programme, assuring them that NiDCOM would work closely with Turkish authorities to ensure that commitments made to returnees are fully implemented.

“We will serve as a bridge between the Turkish authorities and Nigerians interested in returning home while ensuring the programme remains humane, transparent and beneficial to participants,” she said.

The NiDCOM boss reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to irregular migration, warning that migration conditions across many countries are becoming increasingly challenging, even for migrants with valid documentation.

She disclosed that the commission would collaborate with relevant government agencies, including the , to launch awareness campaigns highlighting the opportunities available under the voluntary return programme and the dangers associated with undocumented migration.

Members of the Turkish delegation revealed that consultations are ongoing with key Nigerian institutions to finalise the operational framework for the scheme ahead of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

According to the delegation, discussions have already been held with the NCFRMI, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the , while further engagements are planned with the .

Officials said the proposed agreement is expected to strengthen migration cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye while providing a more dignified and sustainable alternative to deportation for undocumented Nigerian migrants seeking to return home voluntarily.

The initiative comes amid growing international efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration, while ensuring that migrants who choose to return to their home countries receive adequate support to reintegrate economically and socially.