Xenophobic: FG to repatriate over 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa 

The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa as growing anti-immigrant sentiments and fears of renewed xenophobic violence continue to unsettle foreign nationals living in the country.

The move comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of African migrants following recent protests and threats targeting undocumented foreigners in South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for Nigerians willing to return home under a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed on Friday that authorities were expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to participate in the exercise.

“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” he said.

The planned evacuation follows similar action by Ghana, which recently repatriated hundreds of its citizens amid growing anxiety over anti-foreigner demonstrations and incidents of violence.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the mission revealed that it had secured waivers from South African authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of affected Nigerians, including those facing immigration-related challenges.

The commission stated that the arrangement would enable eligible Nigerians to board repatriation flights without facing detention over certain immigration offences.

South Africa has for decades remained a major destination for migrants from across Africa, attracting both skilled and unskilled workers seeking economic opportunities.

However, persistent economic difficulties and an unemployment rate exceeding 30 per cent have fuelled resentment against foreign nationals, who are often accused by some groups of taking jobs and placing pressure on public services.

The latest development comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-immigrant agitation, including an ultimatum reportedly issued by a citizen-led group demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country before June 30.

The threat has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks that left scores dead and displaced many foreign nationals.

Although the South African government has intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws, authorities have repeatedly urged citizens not to resort to violence or take the law into their own hands.

According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in South Africa, representing about 5.1 per cent of the country’s population. A significant proportion of them originate from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.