The Nigerian government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa as concerns grow over increasing anti-immigrant sentiments and tensions in the country, which has historically attracted both skilled and unskilled workers from across Africa.
The repatriation initiative comes against the backdrop of renewed hostility toward foreign nationals in South Africa and follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently evacuated hundreds of its citizens amid fears generated by protests and violent incidents targeting migrants.
Confirming the development on Friday, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed that the screening process for Nigerians interested in the voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday.
According to him, authorities are still compiling final figures, but indications suggest that more than 1,000 Nigerians may eventually be included in the exercise.
“Total figure not out yet,” Ebienfa said. “We are expecting over a 1,000 persons.”
The repatriation programme is designed to assist Nigerians who wish to return home voluntarily, particularly those facing immigration-related challenges or those who feel unsafe amid the current climate of hostility toward foreign nationals.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had engaged South African authorities and secured special waivers for affected Nigerians who may have violated immigration regulations.
The diplomatic mission explained that the arrangement would allow such individuals to depart South Africa through the repatriation programme without being detained or subjected to legal complications before their departure.
The commission stated that the negotiated waivers would benefit Nigerians with immigration-related offences, ensuring they are permitted to board repatriation flights and return home in an orderly manner.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s largest economies and has for decades attracted migrants from across the continent seeking employment opportunities and better living conditions.
However, the country continues to grapple with significant socio-economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate that currently exceeds 30 per cent. The economic difficulties have often fuelled public frustration, with foreign nationals frequently blamed for job shortages, crime and pressure on public services.
Over the years, South Africa has witnessed several waves of xenophobic violence, some of which have resulted in deaths, injuries and the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals.
Recent protests and anti-immigrant campaigns have once again heightened concerns among migrant communities, prompting discussions about safety and the future of migration within the region.
The latest developments have also reignited broader conversations across Africa regarding migration, regional integration and the contrast between pan-African ideals and the realities experienced by many migrants living outside their home countries.
Particularly concerning is the emergence of a citizen-led movement that reportedly issued an ultimatum demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30. The development has raised fears that tensions could escalate into violence if not properly managed by authorities.
South African authorities have acknowledged growing concerns surrounding undocumented migration and have pledged to intensify enforcement of immigration laws. At the same time, government officials have repeatedly appealed to citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The government has maintained that while it is committed to addressing illegal immigration through lawful means, acts of vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals will not be tolerated.
According to official statistics, South Africa is home to more than three million foreign nationals, representing approximately 5.1 per cent of the country’s population.
Data from the national statistics agency indicates that more than 63 per cent of these migrants originate from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting the country’s long-standing role as a major destination for regional migration.
As Nigeria moves forward with its voluntary repatriation programme, authorities say efforts will continue to ensure that affected citizens are provided with the necessary support to return home safely while diplomatic engagements with South African officials remain ongoing.
