Africa-Press. Nigeria will begin this week to repatriate its citizens from South Africa, following a new wave of protests and attacks against migrants, which have heightened fears among foreigners in Africa’s most industrialized economy.
For decades, South Africa has been a key destination for Africans seeking economic opportunities beyond their borders, but for hundreds of Nigerians currently residing in the country, the journey is increasingly heading in the opposite direction.
The first evacuation flight, operated by a local airline, is scheduled to depart from Johannesburg on Wednesday with approximately 270 passengers on board. More than 500 Nigerians have been screened and confirmed eligible for evacuation.
This latest operation represents one of the largest efforts to voluntarily repatriate Nigerian citizens from South Africa in recent years. According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 1,094 Nigerians have expressed a desire to return home, a sharp increase compared to the 130 individuals who initially sought to return as anti-migrant protests escalated.
This growing exodus reflects increasing concerns about the safety of migrants amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation over the weekend, condemning violence against foreigners and pledging to take action against the groups responsible for these attacks. He warned that frustrations stemming from unemployment and poverty are being exploited by armed groups and political actors targeting foreigners.
The unemployment rate in South Africa remains above 30%, one of the highest in the world, and migrants have become a growing target for accusations of taking jobs, straining public services, and contributing to crime. In contrast, migrant rights organizations argue that foreigners are being scapegoated for deeper structural economic issues.
The current tensions have revived memories of the violent attacks that occurred in South Africa in 2008, which resulted in the deaths of around 60 people and displaced tens of thousands due to assaults targeting migrants from across the continent.
Nigeria is not the only country responding to the recent unrest. Ghana has already repatriated 654 of its citizens, while several African governments have issued security warnings to their nationals residing in South Africa, urging them to exercise caution.
In a move aimed at facilitating departures, South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties for immigration violations, such as overstaying visa limits. However, individuals facing criminal charges will not be eligible for the voluntary return program.
