Nigeria to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid Xenophobia fears

The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiments and renewed xenophobic tensions in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for a voluntary repatriation exercise began on Thursday, with officials expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to participate in the programme.

A spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the final figure of returnees had not yet been confirmed but would likely exceed 1,000.

“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” he said.

The development comes as reports of renewed hostility toward foreign nationals continue to emerge in parts of South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy but one grappling with high unemployment and social tensions.

The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria said it had negotiated waivers with South African authorities to allow migrants with immigration-related offences to leave voluntarily rather than face detention.

South Africa has in recent weeks witnessed protests and threats targeting undocumented migrants, raising fears of a wider escalation of xenophobic violence.

Similar repatriation efforts have also been carried out by other West African countries, including Ghana, which recently returned hundreds of its nationals from South Africa under a similar arrangement.

Authorities in South Africa have maintained that enforcement actions are aimed at undocumented migrants, while urging citizens not to resort to vigilante attacks.

The renewed tensions have once again sparked continental debate over migration, unemployment, and the challenges facing regional integration across Africa.

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