By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria and Türkiye are advancing efforts to establish a voluntary return and reintegration programme for undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, in a move aimed at providing a humane alternative to deportation while strengthening bilateral cooperation on migration management.
The proposed initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting between officials of Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja, as both countries work towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on voluntary return and reintegration.
Speaking during the meeting, Head of Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, Hunkar Burkan Ibin, said the programme is designed to encourage undocumented migrants to return to Nigeria voluntarily and benefit from structured reintegration support.
According to him, participants in the scheme would receive counselling, skills assessments and tailored assistance packages aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and achieve economic self-sufficiency upon their return.
Ibin explained that under existing procedures, undocumented migrants apprehended in Türkiye are placed in administrative detention centres while travel documents are processed through the Nigerian Embassy before deportation. He noted, however, that migrants who choose voluntary return would have access to support services not available under deportation arrangements.
Responding, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the proposal, describing it as a practical and compassionate approach to migration management.
She highlighted the longstanding relationship between both countries in diaspora affairs, noting that Türkiye was the first country to sign a diaspora-focused Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa urged undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye to take advantage of the initiative once operational, assuring them that NiDCOM would collaborate closely with Turkish authorities to ensure beneficiaries receive the promised reintegration support.
The NiDCOM boss also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to tackling irregular migration, warning that migration policies around the world are becoming increasingly stringent, making undocumented migration more challenging and risky.
She further disclosed plans to work with relevant stakeholders, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), to raise awareness about the opportunities available under the voluntary return programme and the dangers associated with irregular migration.
Members of the Turkish delegation said consultations are ongoing with key Nigerian institutions, including the NCFRMI, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the CLEEN Foundation and the Nigeria Immigration Service, to finalize implementation modalities ahead of the signing of the MoU.
When concluded, the agreement is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye on migration governance while providing undocumented Nigerian migrants with a safer, dignified and more sustainable pathway for returning home.
