APPRAISAL OF NIGERIA'S LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON IMMIGRATION LAWS: REFORMS IN VISA REGULATIONS, DEPORTATION PROCEDURES, AND REFUGEE RIGHTS

Abstract

This research critically appraises Nigeria's legal framework on immigration laws, focusing on reforms in visa regulations, deportation procedures, and refugee rights. Nigeria, a significant migration hub in West Africa, faces complex challenges in managing its diverse immigrant population, which includes tourists, business professionals, students, and refugees. The study examines the current visa categories, highlighting bureaucratic obstacles, lengthy processing times, and high costs that applicants encounter. Recent reforms, such as the introduction of e-visas and visa-on-arrival policies, are evaluated for their effectiveness and user-friendliness. A comparative analysis with other countries reveals that while Nigeria has made progress, further improvements are needed to reduce bureaucratic red tape and enhance transparency. Deportation procedures, governed by the Immigration Act of 2015, are scrutinized for their adherence to human rights standards, with recommendations for clearer guidelines and legal safeguards to protect individuals from arbitrary deportation. The research also explores the challenges faced by refugees in Nigeria, despite the country's commitments to international conventions, and suggests reforms to improve their access to essential services and legal protection. The study concludes that comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's immigration laws are crucial for national security, economic development, and the protection of human rights, emphasizing the need for collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international partners to promote a more efficient and humane immigration system.