Xenophobic Attacks: Over 1,000 Nigerians Ready to Leave South Africa – THISAGE

By Victor Osula, Abuja

No fewer than 1,000 Nigerians are expected to leave South Africa under a federal government-backed voluntary repatriation program following renewed fears over growing anti-immigrant sentiment and escalating xenophobic tensions in the southern African country.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that screening for the repatriation operation began on Thursday, with authorities indicating that the number of Nigerians seeking to return home could exceed 1,000.

Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the final number of Nigerians seeking to return home was yet to be determined, but indicated the figure could exceed current estimates.

“The total figure has not yet been defined. We expect more than 1,000 people,” Ebienfa said.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals residing in South Africa, where recurring anti-immigration demonstrations and social tensions have triggered fears of another wave of xenophobic violence.

Earlier, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria revealed that it had reached agreements with South African authorities aimed at ensuring a smooth evacuation process for Nigerians willing to return home.

The mission said waivers had been negotiated with host authorities to accommodate citizens facing immigration issues, allowing them to participate in the repatriation process without being detained.

According to the statement, those with immigration-related offenses could board designated repatriation flights instead of facing arrest or prolonged immigration proceedings.

The move follows a similar action by Ghana, which recently began returning its citizens from South Africa following growing fears over anti-foreigner protests.

Ghana repatriated around 300 citizens last month as part of what authorities described as the first batch of an expected total of around 800 returning citizens.

South Africa has historically been a major destination for migrants from across Africa due to its relatively advanced economy and job opportunities. However, worsening economic conditions in recent years have intensified pressure on jobs and public resources.

According to available data from the South African Statistics Agency, more than three million foreign citizens currently reside in the country, representing approximately 5.1% of the population.

Of this figure, more than 63% come from countries that are part of the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.

With unemployment remaining above 30%, frustration among segments of the population has often manifested itself in anti-immigration protests, with foreign nationals often blamed for contributing to economic hardship, crime and competition for limited opportunities.

The South African government has said that while it is strengthening measures to combat undocumented immigration, citizens should not resort to self-help or take immigration matters into their own hands.

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