The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerian nationals from South Africa following growing concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiments and renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with authorities expecting more than 1,000 Nigerians to participate in the exercise.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed on Friday that while the final number of returnees had yet to be determined, indications suggest that over 1,000 Nigerians have indicated interest in returning home.
“Total figure not out yet, but we are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa said.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, where sporadic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have resurfaced in recent weeks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria revealed that it had secured waivers from South African authorities to enable Nigerians with immigration-related offences to participate in the repatriation exercise without facing detention.
According to the commission, the arrangement will allow affected individuals to depart the country through designated repatriation flights rather than remain in custody over immigration violations.
The planned evacuation follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently repatriated about 300 of its citizens from South Africa as part of a broader programme expected to bring home nearly 800 Ghanaian nationals.
South Africa has long been a major destination for migrants seeking economic opportunities, owing to its status as one of Africa’s most industrialised economies. However, persistent economic challenges, including an unemployment rate exceeding 30 per cent, have fuelled resentment toward foreign nationals and contributed to periodic outbreaks of xenophobic unrest.
Recent tensions have reignited debates across the continent over migration, regional integration and the realities facing African migrants despite longstanding pan-African ideals.
Concerns intensified after a citizen-led group reportedly issued an ultimatum demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30, raising fears of a repeat of previous anti-immigrant attacks that claimed dozens of lives and displaced thousands.
While South African authorities have pledged to intensify enforcement against undocumented migration, the government has urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in South Africa, representing approximately 5.1 per cent of the country’s population.
The statistics agency further noted that more than 63 per cent of foreign residents originate from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), underscoring the regional significance of migration to South Africa.
The Nigerian government has assured affected citizens that the repatriation programme is voluntary and is aimed at safeguarding their welfare amid growing uncertainty over their safety and well-being in the country.
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2026-06-06