Rising Xenophobic Tensions: Nigerian Government Moves To Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens From South Africa

Rising Xenophobic Tensions: Nigerian Government Moves To Repatriate Over 1,000 Citizens From South Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced plans to evacuate and repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerian nationals from South Africa as concerns mount over growing anti-immigrant sentiment, violence, and threats targeting foreign nationals in the country.

The development comes amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where economic hardship, unemployment, and political tensions have once again fueled hostility against migrants from other African nations.

Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening and registration for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with authorities expecting the number of Nigerians seeking to return home to exceed 1,000.

Speaking on the development, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa disclosed that the verification process is currently ongoing to determine the exact number of citizens willing to take advantage of the government's evacuation arrangement.

"Screening has commenced, and we are expecting over 1,000 persons," Ebienfa said, adding that the final figure would be determined after the exercise is concluded.

The repatriation effort follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently evacuated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa after reports of escalating anti-foreigner protests and violence surfaced in several communities.

In a communiqué issued by Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria, officials revealed that diplomatic discussions had been held with South African authorities to ensure a smooth and humane departure process for affected Nigerians.

According to the mission, waivers were successfully negotiated to protect Nigerians with immigration-related offences from detention while they await evacuation flights back home.

"The High Commission has negotiated waivers with host authorities to enable Nigerians with immigration-related offences to depart through the repatriation programme rather than face detention," the statement noted.

South Africa has historically served as a major destination for migrants seeking economic opportunities due to its position as Africa's most industrialised economy. For decades, workers, traders, students, and professionals from across the continent have moved to the country in search of better livelihoods.

However, persistent economic challenges and one of the highest unemployment rates in the world—currently above 30 percent—have contributed to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence, often directed at foreign nationals accused of taking jobs, operating businesses, or placing pressure on public services.

Recent weeks have witnessed a resurgence of anti-immigrant campaigns, with some groups openly demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants. A citizen-led organisation reportedly issued an ultimatum demanding that illegal immigrants leave South Africa by June 30, sparking fears that tensions could escalate into violence.

The development has revived painful memories of previous xenophobic attacks that claimed dozens of lives, displaced thousands of migrants, and strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and several African countries, including Nigeria.

Analysts warn that the latest wave of hostility highlights the growing disconnect between Africa's vision of continental unity and the realities faced by migrants across the region.

While South African authorities have acknowledged concerns over illegal immigration and pledged stricter enforcement of immigration laws, the government has repeatedly urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.

Officials in Pretoria maintain that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of security agencies and border authorities, warning that vigilante actions and mob violence will not be tolerated.

According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in South Africa, representing approximately 5.1 percent of the country's population. Over 63 percent of these migrants originate from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

For many Nigerians living in South Africa, the growing uncertainty has created fears for their safety, businesses, and livelihoods. Some have expressed concerns over increasing hostility, while others have welcomed the opportunity to voluntarily return home before tensions worsen.

As preparations for the repatriation exercise continue, the Nigerian government says it remains committed to protecting the welfare of its citizens abroad and will continue engaging South African authorities to ensure their safety and dignity.