Nigerians residing in India have raised concerns over alleged racial profiling, police brutality, and harsh visa policies, describing their situation as increasingly difficult and unsafe.
The complaints come amid growing calls for diplomatic intervention by student groups, particularly the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which recently staged a protest at the Indian High Commission in Abuja.
Nigerian students and residents in several Indian cities, including Mumbai and Delhi, said they face frequent harassment, visa challenges, and discrimination.
According to the NANS Vice President (Special Duties), Abubakar Mallawa, the association has received multiple distress reports involving:
- Physical assaults
- Arbitrary arrests linked to visa status
- Denial of accommodation based on nationality
- Closure of Nigerian-owned businesses
- Confiscation of goods
- Detention under degrading conditions
Mallawa described the situation as “alarming” and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to take diplomatic action.
Similarly, NANS National Secretary, Anzaku Shedrack, cited disturbing video evidence allegedly showing Nigerians being attacked, calling for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A major source of grievance is India’s visa renewal policy for Nigerians.
A Nigerian student in Delhi alleged that Nigerians are required to pay about 10,000 rupees (≈₦146,000) every three months, a fee she claims is significantly higher than what other African nationals pay.
She noted disparities:
- Zimbabweans reportedly pay nothing
- Ghanaians pay about 500 rupees (≈₦8,000)
- Nigerians face stricter timelines and higher fees
Another student, Abisola Williams of the Association of African Students in India (Rajasthan chapter), explained that international students must frequently renew visas, as India does not offer permanent residency to them.
Many students also claimed that these fees were not disclosed before arrival in India.
Reports indicate that Indian authorities have intensified crackdowns on visa violations, with Nigerians allegedly being targeted.
- About 50,000 Nigerians are estimated to live in India
- 2,356 Nigerians were deported between 2019 and 2024
- Deportations rose sharply from 339 in 2021 to 1,470 in 2023–2024
In 2024 alone, Indian agencies arrested 660 foreign nationals over drug-related offences, including 106 Nigerians, making them the second-largest group after Nepalese nationals.
A Nigerian diplomat in India, who spoke anonymously, alleged that some Nigerians act as informants for Indian police, worsening the situation.
According to the source, such individuals provide information in exchange for financial incentives, contributing to arrests and extortion.
The diplomat also urged Nigerians to comply strictly with local laws, noting that visa overstays often trigger enforcement actions.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) stated that it had not received formal complaints regarding the visa issues and emphasized that Nigeria cannot dictate another country’s immigration policies.
NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said:
“In international diplomacy, you cannot compel another country to reduce visa fees. The only option available is reciprocity.”
Former Nigerian envoys have called for immediate government intervention.
Retired diplomat Sola Abolurin urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to:
- Summon Nigeria’s ambassador to India
- Engage Indian authorities formally
- Demand investigations into reported attacks
Similarly, former Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, stressed the need for:
- Active involvement of Nigeria’s High Commission in India
- Protection of law-abiding Nigerians
- Engagement with Indian law enforcement
Farounbi warned against generalising Nigerians based on the actions of a few individuals.
Analysts suggest that the situation may be fueled by:
- Drug-related crime perceptions
- Racial bias
- Economic competition
Despite this, stakeholders insist that the majority of Nigerians in India are law-abiding and should not be subjected to collective punishment.
While tensions persist, observers believe that coordinated diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and India could ease the situation and ensure better protection for Nigerian citizens abroad.
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