Britain is
working with the Federal Government on the planned deportation of
29,000 Nigerians from the United Kingdom, an exercise that is expected
to commence soon after fulfillment of all legal obligations.
The UK
stated that it would continue to maintain dialogue with the FG “on this
important and sensitive matter which is of vital importance to our
relations.”
The UK
High Commission in Nigeria told our correspondent in Abuja that the
removal of persons who did not have a right to remain in the UK is
carried out in conjunction with relevant Nigerian authorities including
the Nigeria High Commission in London.
The acting
Nigeria High Commissioner in London, Olukunle Bamgbose, had informed
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during his visit to London in October,
2015, that the UK government had placed deportation tag on 29,000
Nigerians.
He
expressed worries over the removal policy of the UK government, noting
that the migration policy came as a result of the migration crisis
created by the troubled regions in the world.
“I think
about 29,000 Nigerians have been designated to be deported. We are
insisting that due process must be followed before Nigerians are really
removed from the UK to Nigeria,” Bamgbose had said.
But
responding to inquiries by our correspondent, the Press and Public
Affairs Officer, UK High Commission, Joe Abuku, said the UK had always
worked with FG to facilitate visas for large numbers of travellers
between the two countries and “to ensure the return of the small
minority who choose not to return when their visa expired.”
He did not
confirm the number of Nigerians that would be affected by the
deportation exercise, but stressed that those concerned would be removed
“after we have determined nationality.”
Source: Punch News
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