Government Announces Return of More Nigerians From South Africa Amid Anti-Immigrant Tensions
The Federal Government is continuing efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Nigerians from South Africa amid heightened concerns over anti-immigrant protests and threats against foreign nationals in the country.
The latest repatriation programme was approved by President Bola Tinubu after growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians following renewed anti-immigration demonstrations in South Africa.
In June, the government organised a series of evacuation flights for Nigerians who voluntarily registered to return home. A total of 599 Nigerians had been repatriated by the end of June, according to reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The figure comprised 262 people in the first batch, 66 in the second and 271 in the third flight.
The government had previously said that more than 1,000 Nigerians expressed interest in the voluntary evacuation programme, indicating that the number of people seeking to leave South Africa could be significantly higher than those already repatriated.
The evacuations followed concerns over planned anti-immigration protests and renewed xenophobic rhetoric targeting foreigners, including Nigerians. South African authorities deployed security personnel to areas where demonstrations were expected and condemned calls for attacks against foreign nationals.
The latest developments have added pressure to relations between two of Africa’s largest economies.
Nigeria has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on its citizens and Nigerian-owned businesses in South Africa. The issue has also reached Nigeria’s parliament. In July, the House of Representatives ordered an investigation into the human and economic losses suffered by Nigerians during recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including possible compensation for victims.
The government has maintained that the evacuation is voluntary, meaning Nigerians who remain in South Africa are not being ordered to leave. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged those staying behind to remain vigilant, avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission.
The issue also has wider economic implications. Nigerians constitute a significant part of South Africa’s migrant and business communities, while both countries maintain extensive commercial, diplomatic and people-to-people ties.
The current repatriation effort therefore reflects not only concerns over the immediate safety of Nigerian citizens but also the continuing challenge of addressing xenophobia, irregular migration and tensions over foreign-owned businesses without further damaging relations between Abuja and Pretoria.
