Nigeria has begun arrangements to bring back more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment and renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign residents.
The planned evacuation follows similar steps taken by Ghana, which recently repatriated several of its citizens from South Africa after protests and violence directed at migrants intensified.
The Federal Government confirmed that screening for a voluntary repatriation exercise commenced on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, June 5.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the final number of those affected is still being determined.
“Total figure not out yet,” he said. “We are expecting over a 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa told AFP.
In a statement dated Tuesday, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had engaged South African authorities to secure waivers that would allow Nigerians with immigration-related issues to leave without being detained.
The mission said the arrangement would enable affected individuals to return home through organised repatriation flights rather than face arrest or detention.
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South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, remains a major destination for migrants across Africa, including Nigerians seeking employment and better opportunities.
However, high unemployment levels, reported to be above 30 per cent, have fuelled recurring xenophobic tensions, with migrants often caught in cycles of protest and violence.
Recent weeks have seen a fresh surge in anti-immigrant demonstrations, raising fears of further unrest in several communities.
The situation has also revived broader continental discussions around migration, xenophobia, and the gap between Africa’s integration ideals and on-the-ground realities.
Tensions escalated further after a citizen-led group issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of undocumented migrants by June 30, sparking concerns over possible attacks, given past incidents that resulted in fatalities.
While South African authorities have stepped up enforcement against undocumented migration, they have urged citizens to avoid vigilantism and respect due process.