From Victor Osula, Abuja
No fewer than 1,000 Nigerians are expected to leave South Africa under a Federal Government-backed voluntary repatriation programme following renewed fears over rising anti-immigrant sentiments and escalating xenophobic tensions in the southern African country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that screening for the repatriation exercise commenced on Thursday, with authorities indicating that the number of Nigerians seeking to return home could exceed 1,000.
Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the final number of Nigerians seeking to return home had yet to be determined but indicated that the figure could exceed current estimates.
“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa said.
The development comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns over the safety of foreign nationals residing in South Africa, where recurring anti-immigrant demonstrations and social tensions have triggered fears of another wave of xenophobic violence.
Earlier, the Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had secured arrangements with South African authorities aimed at ensuring a smooth evacuation process for Nigerians willing to return home.
The mission stated that waivers had been negotiated with host authorities to accommodate citizens facing immigration-related issues, enabling them to participate in the repatriation process without being detained.
According to the statement, those with immigration-related offences would be allowed to board designated repatriation flights instead of facing arrest or prolonged immigration procedures.
The move follows a similar action by Ghana, which recently initiated the return of its citizens from South Africa following growing fears surrounding anti-foreigner protests.
Ghana last month repatriated approximately 300 nationals as part of what authorities described as the first batch of an anticipated total of about 800 citizens expected to return.
South Africa has historically served as a major destination for migrants from across Africa because of its relatively advanced economy and employment opportunities. However, worsening economic conditions in recent years have intensified pressure on jobs and public resources.
According to available data from South Africa’s statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in the country, representing approximately 5.1 per cent of the population.
Of that figure, over 63 per cent are from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
With unemployment remaining above 30 per cent, frustration among segments of the population has frequently manifested in anti-immigrant protests, with foreign nationals often accused of contributing to economic hardship, crime, and competition for limited opportunities.
The South African government has stated that while it is strengthening enforcement measures against undocumented migration, citizens should not resort to self-help or take immigration matters into their own hands.
