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The Federal Government has extended the screening and verification process for Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, pushing the deadline to June 10, 2026, as authorities seek to process all eligible applicants.
The extension was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the decision was based on ongoing efforts to complete assessments of Nigerians who have expressed a desire to return home under the government’s evacuation program.
According to the ministry, the latest news was conveyed by the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
This latest development comes just a day after officials indicated that the screening process had been completed. The process, which began on Thursday, is being coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, immigration authorities and the South African Police.
Government officials explained that the exercise was intended to determine the exact number of Nigerians eligible for evacuation before final flight arrangements were finalized.
Providing an update on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the verification process would continue for an additional four days.
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He said, “I have just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that screening of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back to their hometowns has been extended until Wednesday, June 10, 2026.”
Ebienfa revealed that hundreds of Nigerians had completed the inspection requirements and received permission to evacuate.
“So far, more than 500 people have been screened and cleared,” he said.
The ministry also revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved several flights to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians, and indigenous airline Air Peace was selected to handle the operation.
According to him, “Mr President has approved five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace, and the first flight, which will carry approximately 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearances for the aircraft have been obtained.”
Officials say the evacuation initiative is part of the Federal Government’s response to a new wave of xenophobic violence directed against African migrants in South Africa.
The exercise is expected to pave the way for the gradual repatriation of Nigerians who chose to leave the country amid growing concerns over their safety and well-being.
With this extension in effect, the authorities hope to attract more applicants and ensure that all eligible Nigerians are properly documented before the start of airlift operations.
