A group of 400 Nigerians deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, as diplomatic strains between the two countries continue to simmer. This mass deportation comes just months after assurances from both governments that travel restrictions would soon be lifted.
Among the deportees were 90 women and 310 men, received by officials from several Nigerian agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The coordinated effort highlights the government’s attempt to manage the influx of returning citizens and address potential issues arising from their deportation.
This deportation follows a nearly two-year-long visa ban imposed by the UAE on Nigerians, rooted in diplomatic disputes between the two nations. One major point of contention was the suspension of Emirates Airline flights to Nigeria, after the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to remit around $850 million in revenue to the UAE. While the Nigerian government recently made significant strides in resolving the financial dispute—paying back 98% of the owed amount—diplomatic tensions remain unresolved, leading to ongoing challenges for Nigerians living and working in the UAE.
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In July 2024, the UAE announced the lifting of visa restrictions on Nigerians, sparking hope for improved relations and smoother travel between the two countries. However, this mass deportation signals that underlying issues still persist, raising concerns about the treatment of Nigerians in the UAE and the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
While the Nigerian government had assured its citizens earlier this year that negotiations were on track, this latest development highlights the fragile state of affairs. Many are questioning whether the visa restrictions were genuinely lifted or if the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE is still in jeopardy.
The returnees are expected to undergo screening and reintegration procedures handled by NEMA and other government agencies. Some may face further challenges, including reintegrating into society or finding new employment opportunities after being forced to leave the UAE.
This deportation, coupled with the ongoing diplomatic friction, may further strain relations between the two nations. With 400 citizens sent back in a single wave, Nigerians are watching closely to see if the situation improves or deteriorates further.
