ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS AN INSTRUMENT TO NIGERIAN IMMIGRANT'S SOCIETAL INTEGRATION AND HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Immigrants are often identified as vulnerable population; that is, at elevated risk of poor health and inadequate medical care. This has resulted in the deployment of AI in relation to migrants globally. Many countries especially least developed countries lack critical IT infrastructure for AI in migration, while Nigerian migrants experience obstacles such as proper health care services while engaging with digital channels within the same processes. The aim of this paper is to provide legal insights to encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance societal integration and the health status of Nigerian migrants in other countries. Consequently, the study adopted the doctrinal research methodology, which involves examining journal articles, textbooks, periodical articles and the likes. This study found that the factors that make immigrants vulnerable to poor health and inferior medical care can be remedied in parts, through Artificial Intelligence. The emergent findings from this study can guide the Nigerian government and policymakers in decision-making as regards deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning for healthcare delivery for Nigerian emigrants. The study recommends the need for health policies targeted at supporting the use of Artificial Intelligence to expand access to healthcare and improve quality of care for Nigerian immigrants.