104 Nigerians repatriated from Algeria as part of voluntary returns initiative

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the arrival of 104 Nigerians repatriated from Algeria, as reported by The Guardian Nigeria on July 1st. The repatriation is part of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration initiative facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Government.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 30th, aboard an Air Algérie flight which touched down at approximately 1:50 p.m.

According to a statement released by NEMA on July 1st, the returnees were received at the airport by officials from various agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service. The returnees underwent biometric registration and documentation, and were provided with immediate humanitarian support such as food, water, medical aid, ambulance services, and logistics assistance.

“This comprehensive support ensured a dignified and safe return for the citizens,” the agency noted.

The latest repatriation follows a similar operation earlier in June when 147 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Agadez, Niger. Those returnees, who arrived in Kano on June 16th, were also received and profiled by NEMA and partner agencies. One individual reportedly received medical attention from the Red Cross upon arrival.

NEMA said these efforts are part of the ongoing collaboration with IOM and other stakeholders to support the safe return and reintegration of Nigerian migrants stranded abroad.

These initiatives come in the wake of Algeria’s pushback against Nigerian migrants, which has been denounced by activists and academics.

Meanwhile, Nigerian NGO, Alarm Phone Sahara, criticized Algeria’s expulsion of migrants and alleged that the human rights were being violated. The group demanded the Algerian government initiate an “immediate halt of round-ups and mass expulsions”. 

Lauren Seibert, a refugee and migrant rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, has levied heavy criticism against the Algerian government since October 2020. “Algeria is entitled to protect its borders, but not to arbitrarily detain and collectively expel migrants, including children and asylum seekers, without a trace of due process. Before moving to deport anyone, authorities should verify their immigration or asylum status individually and ensure individual court reviews,” she stated.

Efforts taken by the IOM ensure a safer return for Nigerian migrants in neighbouring states, with successful reintegration being a primary goal of the program.

The Guardian Nigeria, Maghrebi.org