Nigeria begins voluntary evacuation programme for citizens in South Africa
Nigeria begins repatriation of more than 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobia fears
Nigeria has begun preparations to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa as concerns mount over rising anti-immigrant sentiment and renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme commenced on Thursday, with officials expecting more than 1,000 Nigerians to return home.
Speaking to AFP, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the final number of participants had yet to be determined but was likely to exceed 1,000.
“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” he said.
The move comes amid growing anxiety among foreign nationals in South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant protests and calls for the expulsion of undocumented migrants.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had secured waivers from South African authorities to allow Nigerians with immigration-related offences to leave the country on repatriation flights without being detained.
South Africa has long served as a destination for migrants seeking economic opportunities, attracting workers from across the continent. However, persistent economic difficulties and an unemployment rate exceeding 30% have fuelled periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
The latest tensions have reignited debate over migration, regional integration and the realities confronting foreign nationals despite longstanding pan-African commitments to free movement and solidarity.
Fears have intensified following an ultimatum reportedly issued by a citizen-led group demanding that illegal migrants leave the country by 30 June. The development has raised concerns about a repeat of previous episodes of anti-immigrant violence that left dozens dead.
Nigeria’s decision follows a similar move by Ghana, which last month repatriated about 300 citizens from South Africa. Ghanaian authorities said the operation was the first phase of an exercise expected to bring home around 800 nationals.
The South African government has pledged to intensify action against undocumented immigration while urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
According to South Africa’s official statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals live in the country, representing about 5.1% of the population. Nearly two-thirds originate from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting the country’s continued role as a regional migration hub despite growing social and economic pressures.