Nigeria to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid rising tensions over illegal immigration

Nigeria has begun the process of repatriating more than 1,000 of its nationals from South Africa as tensions surrounding illegal immigration continue to escalate.

Screening for the voluntary repatriation programme started on Thursday, according to Nigeria’s foreign ministry. The initiative is aimed at assisting Nigerian citizens who wish to return home amid growing concerns about their safety and security in South Africa.

In a communiqué issued earlier this week, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had secured agreements with South African authorities that would allow Nigerians facing immigration-related offences to leave the country on repatriation flights rather than face detention. The arrangement forms part of a voluntary return programme for citizens seeking to return to Nigeria.

The move comes shortly after Ghana facilitated the departure of hundreds of its nationals from South Africa following incidents of violence and protests directed at foreign nationals.

South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across the African continent, largely due to its relatively developed economy. However, with unemployment levels remaining above 30 percent, frustration over illegal immigration has fuelled recurring protests and tensions in several communities.

Concerns have intensified following an ultimatum issued by a citizen-led movement demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country by 30 June. The development has raised fears of potential violence, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.

While the South African government has stepped up operations targeting undocumented immigrants, officials have repeatedly urged communities to allow law enforcement agencies to handle immigration matters and avoid taking action into their own hands.

According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals live in South Africa, accounting for approximately 5.1 percent of the population. The majority originate from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).