The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate no fewer than 1,000 Nigerians stranded in South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals in the country.
The evacuation move, coordinated through Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria, comes amid growing fears of violence after renewed anti-immigrant protests in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed on Friday that screening for Nigerians willing to return home under a voluntary repatriation arrangement had already begun.
He, however, noted that the total number of returnees was still being collated, adding that authorities were expecting over 1,000 Nigerians to be airlifted in the first phase.
“Our officials have started profiling those who indicated interest. The total figure is not final, but we are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa said.
In a communiqué issued earlier, the Nigerian mission disclosed that it had secured waivers from South African authorities to enable affected Nigerians, including those with immigration-related offences, to leave without facing detention.
The development follows similar action by Ghana, which recently evacuated hundreds of its citizens amid escalating hostility towards foreigners.
South Africa, which hosts over three million foreign nationals—about 5.1 per cent of its population—has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, often fuelled by economic hardship and high unemployment estimated at above 30 per cent.
A recent ultimatum reportedly issued by a civic group demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30 has further heightened tensions, raising concerns of possible attacks reminiscent of past incidents that claimed several lives.
While the South African government has pledged to intensify enforcement against illegal immigration, it has cautioned citizens against resorting to self-help or violence.
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