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Nigeria is preparing to repatriate over 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa following rising anti-immigrant tensions in the country.
The move comes after neighbouring Ghana returned hundreds of its nationals in response to violent outbreaks targeting foreign residents.
Screening for Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, according to foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa. Speaking to AFP on Friday, he said, “Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over a 1,000 persons.”
The initiative aims to protect Nigerians amid renewed xenophobic violence, which has erupted in several South African towns.
In a communique issued Tuesday, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria stated that it had “negotiated waivers with host authorities” to ensure individuals with immigration-related offences could leave the country without facing detention.
South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, has long drawn workers from across Africa. However, high unemployment — currently above 30 per cent has fuelled periodic waves of anti-immigrant unrest. The latest tensions follow an ultimatum by a citizen-led group demanding illegal migrants be expelled by June 30, stoking fears of further violence.
The South African government has pledged stricter enforcement against undocumented foreigners but cautioned citizens against taking matters into their own hands.
According to Statistics South Africa, over three million foreigners, representing 5.1 per cent of the population, currently live in the country. More than 63 per cent hail from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, highlighting the regional scale of migration and the delicate balance between economic necessity and social tensions.
Nigeria’s repatriation programme underscores growing concerns about xenophobia and migrant safety across the continent, as governments work to safeguard citizens while navigating complex regional migration dynamics.
