Türkiye moves to replace deportations with assisted return scheme

The government of Türkiye is advancing plans to introduce a voluntary return and reintegration programme for undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye, a move aimed at reducing forced deportations while supporting returnees with economic and social reintegration assistance.

The proposal was unveiled during a high-level meeting in Abuja between officials of the Republic of Türkiye 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, the Head of Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, Hunkar Burkan Ibin, said the initiative reflects Ankara’s commitment to a more humane and sustainable approach to managing irregular migration.

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According to him, although the number of undocumented Nigerian migrants in Türkiye remains relatively small, the country is keen to establish a framework that prioritises voluntary return and long-term reintegration over compulsory removals.

Ibin said the proposed agreement would enable undocumented Nigerians willing to return home to receive support aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

He explained that under the current system, undocumented migrants apprehended by law enforcement authorities are taken to removal or administrative detention centres, where travel documents are obtained through the Nigerian Embassy before deportation procedures are carried out.

However, he noted that migrants who choose voluntary return would have access to reintegration assistance that would not be available to those removed through deportation.

The Turkish official said participants in the programme would undergo counselling and skills assessments to determine the type of support best suited to their background and economic activities.

He added that the objective is to ensure returnees are equipped to successfully reintegrate into Nigeria’s socio-economic environment and become self-sustaining.

Responding, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the initiative and described Türkiye as one of Nigeria’s key partners on diaspora matters.

She noted that the first diaspora-focused Memorandum of Understanding signed by Nigeria with another country was with Türkiye, describing the relationship between both nations as strategic and mutually beneficial.

Dabiri-Erewa urged undocumented Nigerians residing in Türkiye to take advantage of the proposed voluntary return programme, stressing that NiDCOM would work to ensure that commitments made to returnees are honoured.

She said the commission would serve as a bridge between the Turkish authorities and Nigerians interested in returning home, while monitoring the implementation of the programme to ensure it remains humane and transparent.

The NiDCOM boss also reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to irregular migration, warning that migration conditions across the world are becoming increasingly challenging, even for individuals with valid documentation.

She disclosed that NiDCOM would collaborate with relevant agencies, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, to launch a public awareness campaign informing Nigerians in Türkiye about the voluntary return and reintegration opportunity and the risks associated with undocumented migration.

Meanwhile, members of the Turkish delegation said consultations are ongoing with key Nigerian institutions to finalise the operational framework for the programme.

The delegation has already held meetings with the NCFRMI, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the CLEEN Foundation, while further engagements are scheduled with the Nigeria Immigration Service as discussions progress towards the signing of the MoU.