The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called on the media to clearly differentiate between forced deportation and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), emphasizing that accurate terminology is essential for preserving the dignity of returning migrants.
IOM Head of Office in Lagos Speaks
Ali Ibrahim, the IOM Head of Office in Lagos, made this appeal during the final session of a three-day media capacity building workshop on ethical and data-driven migration reporting held in Lagos. He noted that public discourse often conflates voluntary returnees with deportees, a narrative that exacerbates social stigma and vulnerability for returnees.
Ibrahim explained that the UN agency's global mandate is grounded in strict humanitarian principles, where the migrant retains the absolute right to choose when and where to return. He stated, "For a return to be described as an AVRR, it must be voluntary. AVRR is not synonymous with deportation, forced return, or expulsion. By being voluntary, you can make the choice to return, where to return, and when to return. The return is just the beginning; it is a comprehensive process that starts with return and ends with reintegration."
Demographics of Stranded Populations
Reviewing the diverse demographics of stranded populations, the IOM chief revealed that irregular border crossers are not the only individuals seeking repatriation. He explained that multiple factors, including mid-stream changes in foreign immigration policies such as Canada's recent post-study work visa adjustments and individuals overstaying regular visas, frequently push documented migrants into irregular situations.
The Head of Office also highlighted an often-overlooked demographic: elderly African diaspora members who formally request AVRR assistance to return home during their sunset years after decades of separation from their families.
Protection Crisis for Irregular Migrants
Ibrahim warned that whenever a migrant falls outside regular administrative procedures, their legal status immediately transforms into a severe protection crisis, exposing them to human rights violations. He said, "When you find yourself in an irregular situation, it's very easy for traffickers and smugglers to actually prey on you because you are easily lured into nonexistent opportunities. AVRR provides migrants with a pathway to protection. It protects migrants' dignity and safety through the process, providing economic, social, and psychosocial support to help families reestablish their lives."
Statistical Data on Voluntary Returns
Statistical data shared at the session indicated that the IOM, in partnership with the Federal Government and international donors, has successfully facilitated the voluntary return of over 65,000 stranded Nigerians since 2017. The UN official concluded by urging regional journalists to use their platforms to expose the deceptive tactics used by trafficking syndicates, maintaining that sustainable migration management relies heavily on the media's capacity to provide accurate data to prospective travelers.
