About 4,000 Nigerians with irregular immigration status have voluntarily left India under an amnesty programme allowing them to regularise their status or depart without penalties. Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Muhammad, disclosed this on Wednesday September 9 in New Delhi.
Muhammad said the programme was introduced following concerns over visa overstays, renewals and extensions among members of the Nigerian community. He said the initial six-month amnesty was extended by three months after his appointment, enabling more Nigerians to benefit from the arrangement.
The envoy disclosed that Nigeria had requested another three-to-six-month extension to allow those yet to regularise their status to do so or make arrangements to leave voluntarily. He urged Nigerians in India to take advantage of the opportunity and comply with the country’s immigration laws.
Muhammad also called on Nigerians in India to obey local laws and conduct themselves responsibly to protect the image of the country. He assured that the Nigerian High Commission would continue engaging Indian authorities to safeguard the legitimate interests of Nigerians in the country.
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