By Our Correspondent
National News – Some Nigerians living in India have raised concerns over alleged racial profiling, harassment and immigration difficulties, urging the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently intervene through diplomatic channels.
The complaints emerged after Nigerian students and residents in several Indian cities alleged that police authorities had intensified surveillance and enforcement actions targeting them.
According to affected individuals, the situation involves frequent arrests linked to visa irregularities, high visa renewal fees and alleged discriminatory practices.
The issue gained attention after the National Association of Nigerian Students staged a protest at the Indian High Commission in Abuja, demanding government intervention.
Student leaders said they received multiple distress reports from Nigerians, particularly in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, describing incidents of harassment, visa challenges and difficulties securing accommodation.
Some Nigerians also alleged that law enforcement officers carried out raids on Nigerian-owned businesses, confiscated goods and detained suspects under harsh conditions.
An official from the Association of African Students in India noted that many Nigerian students struggle with visa renewal requirements.
According to reports, Nigerian residents must pay about 10,000 Indian rupees every three months to renew visas, a fee some students claim is significantly higher than what students from other African countries pay.
Some students further alleged that police officers often track Nigerians whose visas have expired, leading to arrests, intimidation and deportation.
However, analysts say increased scrutiny of Nigerians may be linked to rising drug trafficking cases involving foreign nationals in India.
Data from Indian authorities indicated that over 100 Nigerians were arrested in drug-related cases in 2024.
A Nigerian diplomat based in India also claimed that some Nigerians reportedly act as police informants in disputes within the community, worsening the situation for other nationals.
Reacting to the concerns, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said it had not received formal complaints from affected students but emphasised that immigration policies remain the sovereign responsibility of host nations.
Former Nigerian envoys have urged diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and India to investigate the allegations, ensure the safety of Nigerians abroad and address visa-related grievances through bilateral dialogue.
