Niger Relocation Index

How Niger scores

Some governance and international engagement capacity remains operational. | Legal framework exists for entry/stay of foreigners and for international protection channels.

• Peace and conflict safety44
• Immigrant safety55
• Visa accessibility58
• Residence permit realism54
• Labor market access50
• Healthcare43
• Civil rights49
• Discrimination safety51
• Status security51
• Infrastructure reliability44
• Cost of living sustainability56

Recent news impact

Recent reporting indicates heightened near-term security risk in Niamey following an apparent mutiny attempt, which can increase uncertainty for civilians and create short-term instability that affects day-to-day safety and relocation planning. No clear, enacted policy change was identified in the provided sources that would materially improve migration access or legal predictability in the short term. Separately, an older (non-recent enough) border-related update and broader macroeconomic/security commentary suggest ongoing constraints, but the strongest short-term signal in the supplied evidence is the reported mutiny/violence episode.

• Protest Unrest

  AP reports an apparent mutiny attempt in Niamey with gunfire/explosions and dozens of soldiers killed or arrested, raising short-term risks of violence, disruption, and instability that can negatively affect relocation safety.

• Militarization

  A government defense statement asserts the security situation is 'calm and under control,' which is not a negative development by itself, but indicates continuing focus on internal security and suggests the authorities are still managing instability-related risks that can affect perceived safety for residents and newcomers.

Sources

• Niger | UNHCR (where we work / country page)UNHCR
• FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2024: Niger | Country ReportFreedom House
• Ordinance No. 2025-02 of 13 January 2025 on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners in Niger (RIMAP/UNHCR)Rights Mapping and Analysis Platform (UNHCR)
• Niger Crisis Response Plan 2025 | IOM Crisis ResponseIOM
• UNICEF Niger Humanitarian Situation Report No. 3 (End-of-year), 31 December 2025UNICEF
• Niger Economic Update 2025 | Strengthening the Agri-Food System (World Bank document landing page)World Bank
• World Bank 2025 Economic Update for Niger (PDF)World Bank
• Dozens of soldiers killed or arrested after an apparent mutiny in Niger’s capital, state TV reportsAssociated Press (AP News)