“400 Nigerians deported from UAE return home”
The news of the arrival of 400 Nigerians deported from the United Arab Emirates has rocked the country, highlighting once again the challenges faced by Nigerian migrants abroad. The mass deportations, comprising 90 women and 310 men, were orchestrated by a collaboration between several government agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and the National Emergency Management Agency.
The wave of deportations comes barely a month after the repatriation of 190 Nigerians from the UAE, highlighting the challenges faced by many Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad. Upon their return, the National Emergency Management Agency sensitized the deportees on the importance of behaving responsibly and respectfully.
These developments come at a time when diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have been strained for several years. Tensions culminated in the imposition of a visa ban on Nigerians and the suspension of Emirates flights to Nigeria due to unpaid funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
However, this year marked a turning point, with the two countries reaching an agreement to lift travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates.
This situation raises questions about the protection of the rights of Nigerian migrants abroad, as well as the need for the government to strengthen measures to ensure their well-being and safety when they venture beyond national borders.