The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerian citizens from South Africa amid growing concerns over renewed anti-immigrant sentiments and xenophobic tensions in the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with authorities expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to take part.
Speaking on the development, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the final number of participants had yet to be determined but was expected to exceed 1,000.
“Total figure not out yet,” he said. “We are expecting over 1,000 persons.”
The initiative comes shortly after Ghana repatriated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa amid mounting fears of violence and protests targeting foreign residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had secured waivers from South African authorities to enable Nigerians with immigration-related offences to leave the country through the repatriation programme rather than face detention.
The commission stated that the arrangement would facilitate the departure of affected individuals on designated repatriation flights.
Rising Xenophobic Concerns
South Africa has traditionally attracted migrants from across Africa due to its relatively developed economy and employment opportunities.
However, the country continues to grapple with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 per cent, a situation that has fuelled recurring outbreaks of xenophobic protests and violence over the years.
Recent tensions have reignited debates about migration, regional integration and the realities facing African migrants despite longstanding pan-African ideals.
Concerns have intensified following an ultimatum reportedly issued by a citizen-led group demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country by June 30, raising fears of further unrest.
Previous waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa have resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread displacement of foreign nationals.
Ghana Also Repatriating Citizens
Last month, Ghana repatriated approximately 300 citizens from South Africa in what authorities described as the first phase of a broader operation expected to involve about 800 nationals.
The South Africa government has maintained that it is strengthening enforcement measures against undocumented immigration but has 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 reside in South Africa, representing about 5.1 per cent of the country’s population.
Data from the national statistics agency indicate that over 63 per cent of these migrants originate from member states of the Southern African Development Community.
The repatriation programme is expected to continue in the coming weeks as Nigerian authorities work with South African officials to facilitate the voluntary return of affected citizens.