The Federal Government has begun arrangements to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme commenced on Thursday for Nigerians willing to return home.
Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the number of Nigerians expected to participate in the exercise could exceed 1,000, although the final figure is still being compiled. “The total figure is not yet available, but we are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa said.
The move comes amid reports of increasing hostility toward immigrants in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have been blamed by some groups for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had secured concessions from South African authorities to ease the return process for affected citizens.
According to the mission, Nigerians facing immigration-related offences will be allowed to leave the country under the repatriation arrangement rather than face detention.
The High Commission noted that it successfully negotiated waivers with South African authorities to facilitate the departure of affected Nigerians on designated repatriation flights.
The development follows growing concerns over a resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa.
Recent tensions were heightened after a citizen-led group reportedly issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of undocumented migrants by June 30, raising fears of a repeat of previous xenophobic attacks that claimed dozens of lives.
Ghana has already begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa. The country recently repatriated about 300 nationals in the first phase of an exercise expected to bring home around 800 Ghanaians.
Nigeria has intensified diplomatic efforts to protect its citizens, including summoning South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner over concerns about the welfare and safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has also confirmed the deaths of at least two Nigerians in separate incidents linked to anti-foreigner violence and has called for stronger protection for migrants.
The latest repatriation exercise is expected to provide a safe exit route for Nigerians who wish to return home as authorities continue to monitor the situation and engage South African officials on the security of Nigerian citizens.
