For migrants experiencing exploitation abroad, accessing the institutions able to provide protection can be challenging, particularly when a response requires cooperation across borders. For Adaeze*, an urgent inquiry from Nigeria to Baghdad helped establish a connection between the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Baghdad, Iraqi authorities and counterparts in Nigeria, supporting the response that enabled her to leave an exploitative situation and return home safely.
In May 2026, the MRC in Baghdad received an urgent inquiry from Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The inquiry concerned Adaeze, a Nigerian woman in Iraq who was believed to be experiencing labour exploitation.
NAPTIP had been exploring possible channels for assistance, but an effective response required communication with the Iraqi authorities able to locate Adaeze, assess her circumstances and take the necessary protection measures. Through its projects in Nigeria, ICMPD supported the initial communication. The MRC then contacted the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate of Anti-Human Trafficking to inquire about the appropriate procedure and facilitate contact. The competent authorities in Iraq and Nigeria subsequently coordinated the response.
Following the inquiry and continued coordination, the Directorate of Anti-Human Trafficking took steps to locate Adaeze and remove her from the exploitative situation. The Iraqi authorities placed her under protection, while a judicial order facilitated her release from the company for which she had been working. The Directorate of Residency Affairs supported the necessary administrative and immigration procedures. Together, these measures enabled the arrangements for her safe return to Nigeria.
With the protection, judicial and administrative arrangements completed by the Iraqi authorities, Adaeze was able to return safely to Nigeria. Upon her arrival, she was received by a representative of her family and officials from NAPTIP.
Following Adaeze’s arrival home, NAPTIP sent a Letter of Deep Appreciation to the Iraqi authorities and the MRC, recognising the coordinated intervention through which Adaeze was located, removed from the exploitative situation and provided with protection before arrangements were made for her safe return.
The case also provided an opportunity for the MRC in Iraq to strengthen its approach to similar inquiries in the future. A response template and process were subsequently developed and circulated among MRC counsellors, providing clearer guidance for cases involving potential trafficking in persons and labour exploitation.
Adaeze’s experience reflects a broader challenge in protecting migrants across borders. Information may need to pass through several organisations before reaching those able to act. Clear cross-border cooperation and trusted points of contact can help ensure that migrants in need of assistance are connected with the appropriate authorities and support services in a timely manner.
Working alongside state authorities and providing information and counselling directly to migrants, ICMPD and the MRC can help connect individual cases with the relevant government institutions, law enforcement authorities, diplomatic representations and support services. In urgent cases, identifying the appropriate counterpart and maintaining communication can help facilitate a coordinated protection response.
The case demonstrates the value of cooperation between institutions in countries of origin and destination. For Adaeze, communication between Nigerian and Iraqi counterparts, supported by ICMPD and the MRC, helped connect an urgent request for assistance with action by the competent authorities and ultimately enabled her safe return home.
Name changed to protect the identity of the individual concerned.