Nigeria has signed an agreement with the United Kingdom to facilitate the return of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers and convicted offenders. The deal was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit, by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Under the arrangement, Nigeria will accept UK-issued documentation as proof of identity for individuals without valid passports, allowing for their return. Officials say this removes a major administrative barrier to deportations and will support the “dignified return and reintegration” of affected persons.
UK authorities say at least 961 failed Nigerian asylum seekers and 1,110 foreign national offenders are currently awaiting deportation. The timeline and duration of the agreement have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if financial provisions are included.
Also Read: FG, UK Reach Agreement on Return of Failed Asylum Seekers, Criminals
Both countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on tackling immigration crime, including joint operations and intelligence sharing on fraud, sham marriages and visa abuse. A new partnership will target online scams, with plans to establish a multi-agency system to improve enforcement and response.
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