‘3,000 Undocumented Nigerians Seeking Asylum In Germany’

The International Returns and Reintegration Assistance (IRARA) Nigeria has disclosed that about 3,000 undocumented Nigerians are currently undergoing asylum processes in Germany.

IRARA Project Manager, Chioma Judith Eze, made this known during a community dialogue on migration, reintegration and development in Idogbo community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

She said the dialogue was aimed at raising awareness about the realities faced by migrants abroad and the opportunities available under the ARRIVES Assisted Return Project for those willing to return home voluntarily.

She said many undocumented Nigerians in Germany face severe hardship, restricted movement and limited access to healthcare. She added that an arrest often leads to deportation.

Eze further revealed that over 10,000 Nigerians in Germany have received notifications to leave the country, stressing that the ARRIVES project was designed to cushion the traumatic effects of return by ensuring a safe landing and sustainable reintegration.

Country Director of IRARA Nigeria, Roland Nwoha, said the dialogue was part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between institutions and communities to ensure migration contributes meaningfully to development.

He explained that the ARRIVES Project is funded by the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and implemented by IRARA in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Social Impact (SI).

Through the initiative, returnees receive support in job placement, entrepreneurship, vocational training and tailored coaching to promote economic self-reliance.

Ikpoba Okha Council Secretary, Patrick Emokpae, urged participants to share the information widely.

An assisted returnee, Dominic Osegie, who spent 10 years in Germany, said he has benefited from the programme and encouraged others to embrace voluntary return and rebuild their lives.(daily trust)