đź“… By Dr. Yinka Dixon, PhD (Hon.)
đź“Ť New Beginnings Impact Network | Educator | Migrant Mentor
INTRODUCTION – Why This Matters Now
This week, I read a heartbreaking report:
"Five children were among 35 Nigerians deported from Ireland to Lagos on a chartered flight."
đź“Ž Irish Times – June 5, 2025
So, yesterday, 6 June 2025, there were five children in the group of 35 Nigerians that were deported to Lagos.
My family was once issued a Deportation Order from the UK due to a lawyer's error.
We chose to return to Nigeria under the Voluntary Departure provision. The sudden change was very traumatic for my family. The first thing was to get a source of income. I got a job first and worked as PA (twice in different companies), and later, in the visa section of one of the top embassies in Lagos. A good chunk of the period was great, but everyone did not settle properly, emotionally, and that made it really tough.
Fast Forwards, a few years later, we secured Work Permits for Ireland for the whole family, and have eventually settled. The journey was long, and the road was bumpy, but here we are. BUT, WHAT exactly is a Deportation Order and How can we support those who have to go through it?
đź’ˇ Sometimes walking away is how you walk back stronger.
Too many migrants are still unaware of their legal options. So today, I share my own story - a story of deportation, voluntary departure, and legal return. This is not just about me.
This is about what’s possible when you act with knowledge, courage, and dignity.
MY STORY – We Were Once Issued a Deportation Order
In the 1990s, my family received a deportation order in the UK due to a legal error. We were unaware that my husband’s application had been refused, and that his refusal had been merged with my Commonwealth citizenship, to give us all, the "Refused" status.
After a minor home incident involving a disgruntled visitor, the police arrived and informed us of our immigration status. At the station, we were told to choose:
✅ Deportation
✅ Voluntary Departure
We chose to leave. We would have been within our rights to appeal.
With help from Pastor Paul JInadu, his wife and the church (New Covenant Church) lawyer, we applied for Travel Certificates and informed immigration of our departure details.
Nobody harassed us. Nobody followed up. We left with our dignity intact.