Two Nigerian nationals residing in the United Kingdom without valid documentation were deported shortly after returning from Lagos, where they had attended a cousin’s wedding.
A UK-based Nigerian legal practitioner, Dele Olawanle, who shared the incident online, reported that upon their arrival back in the UK, the individuals were denied entry at the airport and subsequently deported.
The lawyer cautioned that Nigerians with uncertain immigration status or employment situations should refrain from travelling outside the UK at this time to avoid similar outcomes.
This incident aligns with a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement by UK authorities.
For instance, in October 2024, the UK Home Office deported a record number of 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians in a single flight, as part of a significant surge in immigration enforcement under the Labour government.
These actions have drawn criticism over the speed and secrecy of the deportations, as well as the lack of legal support for the deportees, many of whom claim to have legitimate asylum needs and have experienced severe trauma.
In response to the challenges faced by deported Nigerians, the Hospital and Prison Action Network (HPAN), a London-based Nigerian charity, has established free accommodation facilities in Lagos and Abeokuta, Ogun State.
These facilities aim to support deportees who often find themselves without shelter upon return to Nigeria.
