Netherlands to deport failed asylum seekers to Uganda

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 21 February 2025 7:55am WAT

Police detain demonstrator who took part in brief occupation of Nigerian embassy in Berlin

[FILE] Police detain a demonstrator who took part in a brief occupation of the Nigerian embassy in Berlin October 15, 2012. Police detained 14 protesters who briefly occupied the Nigerian embassy, a police spokesman reported on Monday. "We protest against the Nigerian embassy's involvement in the deportation of refugees to countries that are not safe." one of the protesters told Reuters. All of the detained men were asylum seekers, a representative of the refugees said. REUTERS/Thomas Peter (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST SOCIETY IMMIGRATION)

Libya deports 48 Nigerian women
The Dutch government is pushing ahead with its plan to deport failed asylum seekers to Uganda, despite concerns over European laws and conventions, officials said on Thursday.

The controversial initiative, spearheaded by Foreign Trade and Development Aid Minister Reinette Klever and Asylum and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber, targets asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal options and cannot remain in the Netherlands, local media reported. If they refuse or are unable to return to their country of origin, they will be sent to Uganda until their final departure.

Both ministers defended the plan as “innovative” and said it would comply with existing regulations, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

MEANWHILE, Libya’s Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM), with support from Nigeria’s consular services and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has deported 48 Nigerian women and two children.

The repatriation was conducted through Mitiga International Airport, ensuring their safe return to Nigeria. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigerian nationals facing difficulties abroad particularly in conflict-affected regions like Libya. Migrant Rescue Watch announced the development in a statement yesterday.