The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, revealed that 14,000 Nigerians living in the nation face deportation, and he explained why.
Scholz explained that the mass deportation is owing to an increase in the number of Nigerians requesting asylum, many of whom lack identity documents.
According to the German Chancellor, the country received a large number of initial asylum petitions from Nigerians in 2023, with a rather low recognition rate.
As a result of the Nigerian government’s refusal to admit people without the proper identity documents, approximately 12,500 Nigerians are in a state of tolerance in Germany.
Nigeria had long been one of the top ten countries of origin for German asylum seekers, although this proportion has recently began to fall.
However, the present surge in Nigerians seeking initial asylum claims in 2023 has raised concerns. Nearly 14,000 Nigerians might be deported, with the vast majority lacking the proper identifying documents.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz underlined the necessity of working together to fix the deportation crisis during his visit to Abuja on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
He said: “We are prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration.”
He added that Germany would be happy to send back any Nigerian nationals who have behaved well.
Despite a few evasive answers, Tinubu referred to the possibility of cooperation in order to address the situation.
He emphasized that the Nigerian government is willing to let people back, particularly those who have been recognized as fellow citizens and have behaved decently.
Nigerian officials are reportedly refusing to accept replacement documents given by Germany. Scholz and Tinubu also discussed this topic.
Tinubu said during the joint press conference: “We’re prepared to collaborate in order to enhance migration.”
He added that if someone is a compatriot and has “behaved well,” they are willing to accept them back.
The fact that a big number of Nigerians are set to be deported from Germany highlights the problems that both countries face in the migration process.
The recognition of asylum claims, the lack of identifying documents, and the need for cooperation are three major facets of this ongoing challenge.
As both Germany and Nigeria try to establish common ground on this subject, it remains to be seen how this scenario plays out and what parameters will be agreed upon to facilitate the return of these people to Nigeria.