The Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland has urged the Government to introduce measures to enable thousands of illegal and undocumented Nigerians to regularise their residency, Metro Éireann has learned.
Addressing members of the Irish chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (Nidoe), Dr Kemafo Chikwe said change in the situation of illegal Nigerians was achievable because of the positive contributions they would make in Ireland, if allowed to remain legally.
“We have initiated action to persuade the authorities here to regularise the immigration status of any Nigerian that has stayed for three years or above in Ireland without falling foul of the law, or who has worked hard and contributed meaningfully to the economic development of Ireland,” she said.
In the past, the Government has strongly resisted moves by different groups calling for the regularisation of undocumented and illegal immigrants in the country. However, Dr Chikwe believes that her mission is possible.
“With the right strategy and diplomacy, we can realise this goal,” she said.
Acknowledging that Nigeria has a serious image problem in Ireland, the ambassador said that one of her priorities is to change the negative stereotype of Africa's most populous country.
Nigerians and pro-immigrant groups across the country have welcomed Ambassador Chik-we's statement.
Cork-based Nigerian activist Uche Odinukwe, who championed a protest against Ambassador Chikwe last month over her remarks about female genital mutilation (FGM), said: “I think it's a brilliant idea if she can actually do it. I will do anything to help her to achieve that.”
She continued: “A number of immigrants from Cameroon, Congo and Somalia who are in direct provision centres are being giving residency based on their long stay. But that is not the case with Nigeria. In fact, a Nigerian man who had stayed over six years in Ireland was deported in February.”
Reacting to the statement, Sr Breege Keenan of the Vincentian Refugee Centre in Dublin said: “I can't see the Irish Government conceding to her wishes. If she is asking for an amnesty for Nigerians in Ireland, what of other nationalities? If the Irish Government grants that, it would be discrimination of another kind.”
As of press time, the Department of Justice had not commented on the issue.
