Photos: Controversy rages over quick re-entry of Chinese workers after deportation

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It has been reported that a group of Chinese nationals have returned to Nigeria four months after their repatriation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

This development has ignited debate and prompted inquiries regarding enforcement within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

In October 2025, the five Chinese workers who had been arrested at Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited in Ogun State for alleged illegal work were quietly deported.

Remember that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had instructed the re-arrest of five suspected illegal immigrants working at Royal Castle Ceramics in Ogun State.

The directive came in response to public outrage over the sudden release of the Chinese nationals, who had been initially arrested and were set for deportation under Section 44 of the Immigration Act.

It was reported that their release was supposedly arranged through unofficial lobbying efforts by a retired high-ranking NIS officer.

An internal memo indicated that the service mandated the immediate re-apprehension of the five expatriates, effective from the end of work on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Just days after their exit, however, there are indications that they may have re-entered the country through Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos without facing prosecution, fines, or other penalties.

It has been reported that the employees, which included Zhang Damou (46) and Qian Jin (48), were working with Temporary Work Permits (TWP) and business visas—types of visas that do not allow for long-term employment. Investigations further assert that Hairun International Industry Company Limited, their employer, did not possess the required business permits and expatriate quota approvals.

The development has sparked public concern about the possibility of high-level interference within the NIS.

Chief Lekan Adebisi, a leader in the Sagamu community of Ogun State, voiced concern regarding the effects on local labor and public confidence.

“When foreign nationals who are deported can return so quickly, it undermines confidence in our laws and hurts local workers who follow the rules,” he said.

“We hope the authorities act decisively and transparently to ensure fairness and accountability.”

Attempts to contact Kemi Nandap, the NIS spokesperson, were unsuccessful as her phone was off.

Nonetheless, a source among officials from the Ministry of Interior informed our reporter that actions are being implemented to guarantee that all foreign nationals adhere to Nigerian laws.

“A full investigation has been launched; any personnel found culpable would face sanctions,” the source, who said she was not authorized to speak on the matter, said.

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