Türkiye has announced plans to support undocumented Nigerians willing to voluntarily return home, as both countries move to strengthen cooperation on migration management and reintegration. The initiative is aimed at providing a structured alternative to forced deportation by offering assistance to migrants seeking to rebuild their lives in Nigeria.
On June 24, 2026, during a high-level meeting at the headquarters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, Hünkar Burkan İbin, Head of the Deportation Department for Removal Affairs at Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, said support for returning Nigerians would depend on what each returnee intends to do after arrival and the prevailing economic realities in Nigeria. He made the remarks during discussions with Nigerian officials on a proposed voluntary return and reintegration framework.
İbin said Türkiye prefers voluntary return over forced deportation and is developing a system designed to ensure migrants return in a humane and dignified manner. According to him, the programme is structured to help undocumented migrants reintegrate socially and economically rather than simply sending them back without support.
He explained that when undocumented migrants are apprehended in Türkiye, they are usually taken to holding or administrative detention centres while the Nigerian government is contacted to facilitate travel documentation and return arrangements. He said this remains the current deportation process for irregular migrants.
However, İbin said the preferred pathway is voluntary participation under Türkiye’s National Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (NAVRR) Mechanism. Under this system, migrants who choose to return willingly are assessed individually to determine what form of support they require.
According to him, each returnee is assigned a return counsellor who evaluates personal circumstances, skills, and reintegration needs. He said the support package may include financial assistance, business support, skills-related help, or other in-kind assistance depending on the individual case.
“The support depends on what the returnees want to do and also the economic realities in Nigeria,” İbin said, emphasizing that assistance is tailored rather than uniform for every migrant. His statement highlighted Türkiye’s intention to provide need-based reintegration rather than a fixed compensation package.
He said the mechanism applies to several categories of migrants, including foreigners with deportation decisions, individuals under administrative detention, victims of human trafficking, applicants for international protection, and migrants who never completed residence procedures.
İbin also addressed broader migration concerns, stating that irregular migration remains a challenge that both countries must jointly address. He said stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Türkiye would help ensure orderly migration while protecting migrant welfare.
Turkish officials disclosed that consultations are ongoing with several Nigerian institutions to finalize operational details of the programme before the signing of a formal agreement.
Among Nigerian institutions already consulted are the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the CLEEN Foundation. These consultations are expected to shape the final reintegration framework.
The discussions are part of efforts to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Türkiye and Nigeria, which would formally establish procedures for voluntary return and reintegration support.
İbin also spoke about legal migration pathways, stressing that both countries should encourage lawful migration opportunities while discouraging undocumented movement.
He disclosed that out of approximately 350,000 international students in Türkiye, about 2,600 are Nigerians. He said this number could increase through expanded legal educational and employment opportunities.
According to him, Türkiye is considering broader legal migration pathways, including increased work permits and educational access, but stressed that irregular migration must first be better controlled.
He acknowledged that while some Nigerians in Türkiye have been linked to criminal cases, the number remains relatively low and does not reflect the wider Nigerian community living in the country.
Responding on behalf of Nigeria, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, welcomed the Turkish delegation and pledged full cooperation from the commission.
Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM would intensify awareness campaigns to ensure undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye understand the voluntary return programme and are properly informed about available support.
She said NiDCOM would act as a bridge between Turkish authorities and Nigerians interested in returning home to ensure all commitments made under the programme are fulfilled.
“NiDCOM will serve as one of the bridges to ensure that what is promised to Nigerians by the Turkish government is fulfilled,” she said.
She urged undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye to consider the initiative once it becomes operational, especially if they are struggling abroad and unable to regularize their immigration status.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated Nigeria’s position against irregular migration, warning that migration policies across many countries are becoming increasingly strict.
She noted that even individuals with valid documents now face tougher immigration scrutiny globally, making irregular migration increasingly risky.
The NiDCOM chair also highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Türkiye, describing it as a strong foundation for cooperation on migration and diaspora matters.
She recalled that Türkiye was the first country to sign a diaspora-related bilateral memorandum with Nigeria, describing the relationship as historically significant.
Dabiri-Erewa said many Nigerians in Türkiye are contributing positively in sectors such as business, medicine, and sports, and stressed that the proposed programme is focused specifically on undocumented migrants needing assistance.
The planned initiative aligns with wider international migration policies that encourage safe, orderly, and humane migration management while protecting vulnerable migrants.
For undocumented Nigerians in Türkiye, the proposed programme could provide a structured pathway home with reintegration support designed to improve long-term stability after return.
Both Nigeria and Türkiye said they remain committed to ensuring that the dignity, welfare, and rights of Nigerians in Türkiye remain central to all migration-related engagements between the two countries.
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