The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has deported 400 Nigerians, marking the latest wave of repatriations amid growing concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in the Gulf state. The deportees, comprised of 90 women and 310 men, were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.
Katherine Udida, Director of Migration Affairs at the Commission, confirmed the deportation was facilitated in collaboration with Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser. She stated that the Commission would provide psychosocial support and reintegration assistance for the returnees, while also investigating cases of maltreatment and alleged unjust deportations.
The returnees shared their grievances, with many alleging that their deportations were unprovoked and their personal belongings seized. One of the returnees, Harrison Amaoguo, expressed his frustration, saying, “My story is that, I don’t know what my offence is. Some officers stopped me and asked me to introduce myself and I did and told him my nationality. Then they took me away. I kept asking and no one told me. I’m more concerned with the Nigerian Consulate in Dubai. The Head of the Consulate should always not believe everything told to them, but ask questions from their own people.”
Amaoguo called on the Nigerian government to leverage diplomatic channels to ensure that the rights of its citizens abroad are safeguarded.
In response, Udida assured that the Commission would examine each case and provide necessary support, including pro-bono legal services for those eligible to return to the UAE.
As the number of Nigerians facing deportation rises, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to address these incidents through diplomatic and legal channels to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad.