HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA ABUJA, NIGERIA (CONCURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO BENIN AND THE ECOWAS)

High Commission of India
Abuja

https://hciabuja.gov.in/

ADVISORY TO EMPLOYERS NOT TO RETAIN/ WITHHOLD PASSPORTS/ OR DUE SALARIES OF INDIAN NATIONALS

A number of instances of passports of Indian nationals being retained by their employers without consent of the passport holders have come to the notice of High Commission of India.

It is reiterated that Indian passports are the property of Government of India. Their physical retention or withholding by anyone, without the consent of the passport holder is unauthorized and would invite adverse provisions under extant guidelines on welfare of Indian nationals abroad.

A number of cases of salaries/ entitlement packages of Indian nationals being withheld by the employers have also come to the notice of the High Commission of India.

It is important that all employers in Nigeria, whether Indian or foreign, follow the extant labour laws of Nigeria and settle any differences amicably within a short period of time. Lingering of disputes would invite adverse provisions of the Protectorate General of Emigrants, Government of India, under extant guidelines on welfare of Indian nationals abroad and potentially also affect future work contracts involving Indian nationals.

Jan 2026