The president of the Nigerian community in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu, says more than 130 Nigerians have voluntarily registered for repatriation amid renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday, Onyekwelu said the number of Nigerians seeking to return home has continued to rise following growing concerns over safety, economic hardship and health challenges.
The federal government had earlier announced plans to begin voluntary repatriation for Nigerians willing to leave South Africa after attacks targeting foreign nationals intensified.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, said President Bola Tinubu approved evacuation flights for interested citizens, adding that arrangements were ongoing to compile details of affected Nigerians.
According to her, at least 130 Nigerians had initially registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa, with the figure expected to increase as community groups assist in the process.
Providing an update on Thursday, Onyekwelu said more Nigerians have since indicated interest in the programme.
“As we speak now, the numbers have increased more than 130. We have other Nigerian citizens that have also applied for such voluntary and free repatriation,” he said.
He explained that many Nigerians in South Africa are struggling with economic difficulties, unemployment and business setbacks.
“Some of them have issues with the economy —economic hardship — they are struggling to survive,” he added.
Onyekwelu also cited documentation problems and delays in processing residence permits as part of the reasons many Nigerians are considering returning home.
“Some of them have applied either to renew their existing residence permit or to get another kind of permit that will allow them to trade or do work or get employed in some companies,” he said.
“But due to the documentation process and the delays and the challenges in terms of requirements that you have to provide as a foreign national, it becomes a bit challenging for them.”
He noted that some returnees believe it would be easier to rebuild their lives in Nigeria, especially with lower living costs and support from family members.
According to him, health concerns and rising medical expenses for foreigners in South Africa are also influencing the decision to return.
“In some hospitals, you are now meant to pay or consult a private hospital and some of them now consider that it will be easier and even much cheaper for them to attend health clinic in Nigeria or attend the medical facilities in Nigeria where they might afford the payment,” he said.