More than 4,000 Nigerians have voluntarily returned home from India under an amnesty programme introduced by the Indian government to help undocumented foreigners regularise their immigration status or leave the country without penalties.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, disclosed this during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents covering the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Muhammad said the programme initially provided a six month window for undocumented foreigners to either regularise their status or return to their home countries. The period was later extended by another three months after he assumed office, giving more Nigerians an opportunity to benefit.
He said Nigeria has now requested a further extension of between three and six months to allow more Nigerians with irregular immigration status to take advantage of the programme.
The envoy said one of his first major engagements after arriving in India on July 23 was a virtual meeting with Nigerians living in different parts of the country. During the meeting, he urged them to respect Indian laws, protect the image of Nigeria and stay away from unlawful activities.
He said Nigerians who participated in the engagement raised several concerns, including visa overstays, visa renewals and extensions, the welfare of students and access to medical care.
Following the concerns, Muhammad held discussions with officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, including those handling relations with Central and West Africa, to address immigration matters and other issues affecting Nigerian citizens.
The High Commissioner praised the Indian government for introducing the amnesty programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity for Nigerians without valid immigration status to either regularise their stay or return home voluntarily without facing penalties.
He also said the welfare of Nigerians in India remained a key part of his diplomatic engagements with Indian authorities as both countries work to strengthen consular cooperation.
On Nigeria India relations, Muhammad described his August 24 meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu as fruitful and cordial. He said discussions centred on strengthening ties between both countries and expanding cooperation in key areas.
The High Commissioner identified pharmaceuticals and healthcare, energy and renewable energy, mining and solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and investment as major sectors where Nigeria and India could deepen their partnership.
He said greater cooperation in these areas would further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two countries and create more opportunities for economic growth and investment.
