Over 840,000 foreigners have overstayed their visas — Tunji-Ojo

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday disclosed that Nigeria currently has more than 840,000 foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas.

Tunji-Ojo, who stated this during an interview on Channels Television, said the figure was obtained through the country’s upgraded immigration system, noting that irregular migration is not limited to Nigerians abroad but also affects Nigeria.

According to him, “As of this morning, through our upgraded system, I can tell you that the number of overstayers that we have… we have about 840,290 visa overstayers in Nigeria. These are citizens of different countries in Nigeria, almost a million.”

The minister’s disclosure comes amid public concerns over a  migration agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

On March 19, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed three Memoranda of Understanding on Migration Partnership.

Defending the MoU, Tunji-Ojo stressed that the pact was based on reciprocity and mutual cooperation.

He said the MoU seeks to establish a framework for regulated and safe migration between both countries and strengthen collaboration against irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling.

Tunji-Ojo maintained that Nigeria was not agreeing to accept foreign prisoners or asylum seekers.

He added that the agreement only covers the return of nationals who no longer have the legal right to remain in either country, in line with international immigration laws.

The minister further noted that cooperation would also benefit Nigeria in managing foreign overstayers within its borders, while ensuring dignified treatment for Nigerians who may be returned from the UK.

On what the country tends to gain from the MoU, Tunji-Ojo said it would ensure returnees are treated with respect and their rights protected.

He said, “As I told you, it is based on reciprocity. In the past, people were deported without dignity. They returned with only their personal belongings. But this agreement ensures that Nigerians, even when returned, have rights.

“That is Article 8 of the agreement. It speaks about return rights. Returnees will at all times be treated with respect and dignity, with due regard to their fundamental human rights and gender considerations, promoting reciprocal and non-discriminatory treatment of nationals of both parties.”