Nigeria signs deal with United Kingdom to deport visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers, criminals
The Nigerian government has signed agreement with United Kingdom to deport Nigerians visa overstayers, failed asylum seekers and criminals, as well as those without valid documentation to be in the country.
Penpushing reports that the agreement means that the Nigerian government will now recognise United Kingdom letters – an identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport – so people will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued before they can be returned.
The United Kingdom Home Office, in a statement on Thursday, said the deal was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the United Kingdom Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood.
Penpushing further reports that the agreement was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, during which he was hosted by King Edward III at Windsor Castle and also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Nigeria’s Minister of Interior and several other officials accompanied the Tinubu on the visit, however, record has it that thousands of Nigerians live and work legally in the United Kingdom,
Penpushing also reports that many also, however, overstay their visas and are thus considered to be in the United Kingdom illegally, while some have equally been convicted of crimes and asked to leave the United Kingdom
The are many whose asylum request was denied, however, the latest agreement will make it easier to return the last three categories to Nigeria, as the Home Office emphasized that anyone who abuses the system will be stopped and removed
“Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws or tries to cheat their way into Britain will be stopped and removed. Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to restore order to the border by ensuring those who have no right to be here are swiftly removed’, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris said.
Penpushing reports that Nigeria’s Minister in his reaction to the agreement, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that for Nigeria as a country, it will keep saying it is committed to being responsible in fulfilling core obligations
“For us, as a country, we keep saying that we are totally committed to being a responsible country in fulfilling our core obligations. It is good that we are starting this with the UK. This relationship with the UK means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown great commitment to this’, Tunji-Ojo said
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