House Worried Over Planned Deportation Of 29,000 Nigerians From UK

 Speaker Yakubu Dogara

The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed worry at an alleged plan deportation of 29,000 Nigerians scheduled for deportation from the United Kingdom.

It therefore directed its Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to look into the matter.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Rita Orji (Lagos PDP) titled: ‘Need to address the issues and challenges surrounding 29,000 Nigerians tagged for deportation from the UK’.

THISDAY LIVE report continues:

Orji, in her presentation, said the Nigerians faced deportation, due to the migration crisis created by troubled regions of the in the world. She alleged that most of those scheduled for deportation have spent a minimum of 30 years and have lost touch with Nigeria.

Deporting them, therefore, without properly ascertaining their identities, economic situations, health and family status, will constitute a challenge to themselves, Nigeria and Nigerians.

Orji noted that the UK government did not reveal whether those facing deportation have legal right to stay in the UK or not, neither did it provide an explanation as to the reasons these huge number of Nigerians are scheduled for deportation all at once.

Reacting to the development, the Press and Public Relations Officer for the British High Commission in Abuja, Mr. Joe Abuku, referred to the position of UK Home Office.

It read: “The return of those who have no right to remain in the UK is a key part of upholding a fair and robust immigration system. Our preference is for individuals to leave the UK voluntarily. However if an individual does not, removal action will be taken against them and we may enforce their return. But we will only do so after we have determined nationality, are satisfied that they are medically fit to travel and have exhausted all legal avenues to remain in the UK.”