The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerian citizens from South Africa as concerns mount over growing anti-immigrant sentiments and renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the screening process for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with authorities expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to participate in the exercise.
Speaking on the development, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the final number of returnees is yet to be determined but is projected to exceed 1,000.
The repatriation initiative follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa amid fears of escalating hostility and violence against foreign residents.
In a statement issued by Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria, officials disclosed that discussions with South African authorities secured waivers for Nigerians with immigration-related offences, allowing them to return home voluntarily rather than face detention.
South Africa, historically regarded as one of Africa’s leading economic destinations, continues to attract migrants from across the continent. However, persistent economic challenges and an unemployment rate exceeding 30 per cent have fueled periodic waves of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks.
Recent developments have reignited concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, particularly following an ultimatum reportedly issued by a citizen-led group demanding the removal of undocumented migrants by June 30. The threat has raised fears of a repeat of previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread displacement.
The situation has also revived broader debates about migration, regional integration, and the disconnect between pan-African ideals and the realities faced by migrants across the continent.
Last month, Ghana repatriated approximately 300 citizens as part of an evacuation programme expected to eventually return around 800 nationals.
While the South African government has pledged to intensify enforcement against undocumented immigration, authorities have urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow security agencies to manage immigration-related issues through lawful channels.
According to South Africa’s statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in the country, representing about 5.1 per cent of the population. Over 63 per cent of these migrants originate from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Nigeria says it remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad and will continue to monitor developments closely while facilitating the safe return of those willing to come home.
