Germany likely to deport scores of Nigerian asylum seekers

Thousands of Nigerian migrants could be affected by German government plans to step up deportations of rejected asylum seekers. Experts warn about an insecure environment for migrants repatriated to Nigeria.

Many Nigerians have been keeping tabs on the increasingly contentious discussion around immigration to Europe, particularly since Germany passed laws this month that makes it simpler for authorities to remove individuals whose asylum claims have been denied.

Thousands of Nigerians would probably be sent back to their country of origin as a result of Germany’s planned legislation.

Berlin is determined to tighten its immigration laws, yet many Nigerians still have aspirations of relocating to Europe.

One local said, “If I have the chance to go legally for greener pastures, that’s better for me, as the hardship here is seriously challenging.” Area 10 Market in Abuja is a well-liked gathering place where people congregate to talk about matters like these.

A few other Nigerians in the area voiced skepticism regarding the frequently perilous decision to flee their country in an attempt to travel to Europe.

“I have no desire to leave Nigeria. Who will remain to call themselves Nigerians if all Nigerians depart?” pondered another. “We need to build Nigeria rather than just leave.”

Why do so many Nigerians want to live in Germany?

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of West Africa’s relatively stable democracies, is grappling with a range of challenges including corruption, high unemployment rates, and an ongoing conflict with Islamist militants in the northeastern region. This conflict has been ongoing for 14 years, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of over 2 million people since 2009.

In the first nine months of this year, German authorities received over 1,800 initial asylum requests from Nigerians. According to Judith Ibi, a Nigerian lawyer, many Nigerians choose to leave their home country in search of better job opportunities, higher wages, and an improved quality of life in Germany.

She placed blame on the Nigerian government for not fulfilling its responsibilities to its citizens. Ibi argued that Nigeria’s constitution includes provisions for social policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of its citizens and facilitating a good quality of life within the country. However, she contended that the government’s failure to provide these essential services and amenities has become a major issue.

Remigration to Nigeria

In his trip to Nigeria at the end of October, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for tighter cooperation in the field of migration management. He insisted on the return of asylum seekers who had been turned down and pushed for the growth of the centers for migration that had been established to assist those who were returning from Germany and other nations.

In Lagos, Scholz stated, “This requires some preparation and investment—on both sides.”

In Nigeria, German Chancellor Scholz discusses

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has indicated his willingness to accept the return of migrants, and there are plans in progress to expand migration centers within Nigeria.

Tinubu has expressed his support for the repatriation of migrants, as long as they can be confirmed as Nigerian citizens. However, determining the identity of some migrants can be a challenging aspect of the initiative.

Out of nearly 14,000 asylum seekers from Nigeria who are required to leave Germany, approximately 12,500 have been granted permission to stay primarily because they lack proper identity documentation.

Celestine Odogwu, a sociology lecturer at the University of Abuja, strongly supports Berlin’s efforts to repatriate Nigerians who do not have the legal right to stay in Germany. Odogwu believes that this move is important for protecting Germany’s economy and the interests of the state, which is a reasonable step for any responsible government to take. Additionally, Odogwu suggests that illegal migrants can sometimes create problems within communities, so addressing this issue is necessary.

Germany needs skilled migrants 

While Germany is planning to increase deportations of rejected asylum seekers, it is also actively seeking to attract more foreign skilled workers to address labor market gaps.

In June, the German parliament passed a new immigration law reform aimed at encouraging individuals from outside the European Union to come to Germany for employment opportunities.

The migrant centers that were discussed during Chancellor Scholz’s visit to Nigeria would also serve as centers for providing guidance to skilled workers interested in migrating to Germany.

Henrik Maihack, who leads the Africa department at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, a German political foundation affiliated with the Social Democratic Party and dedicated to the principles of social democracy, emphasized that Europe’s long-term strategic goal should be focused on attracting more skilled migrants to the continent, rather than discussions about repatriating individuals whose asylum requests have been denied. Maihack highlighted that by 2050, a significant portion of the European population will be retired, underlining the importance of addressing labor needs through skilled migration.

According to Maihack, Germany needs to consider strategies to become an attractive destination for skilled migrants. He emphasized that this is a strategic imperative, vital for ensuring future economic prosperity in Europe.

The German government is currently facing significant pressure from opposition parties, which accuse it of failing to effectively manage immigration and curb illegal migration into Germany.

Tahir Della, spokesperson for the Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (Initiative of Black People in Germany), highlighted that politicians may be influenced by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained popularity due to its stringent anti-immigration stance.

However, Della suggested that politicians need to address important questions, such as where to deport individuals and what the security conditions are like in those destinations. He also pointed out that Germany is not facing an imminent crisis.