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South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has revealed that 586 Nigerian nationals who were processed for repatriation were found to be residing illegally in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the department said the first repatriation flight departed on the morning of June 11, 2026, carrying 268 passengers back to Nigeria.
According to the department, all the affected individuals were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission to facilitate their departure from South Africa and return home.
The department said that, in line with South Africa’s Immigration Act, all 586 Nigerians processed for repatriation have been declared undesirable persons and are prohibited from re-entering the country for 5 years.
It also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
A second flight carrying the remaining Nigerians among the 586 processed for repatriation is scheduled to depart on Monday, June 15.
The Department of Home Affairs further reminded all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they must possess valid visas or other authorisations permitting them to remain in the country legally.
“Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and to regularise their stay,” the department said.
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said the government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening the country’s immigration system.
“Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46% over the past two years, is clear evidence of this,” Schreiber said.
The minister added that the government was implementing reforms to improve immigration management and border control.
Schreiber urged members of the public not to resort to violence or take the law into their own hands.
“In this context of ongoing progress, the public is again urged to never engage in violence or take the law into their own hands,” he added.
