Over 1,000 Nigerians Register for Repatriation From South Africa Amid Xenophobia Concerns

More than 1,000 Nigerians living in South Africa have registered for voluntary repatriation following a recent surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant tensions in the country, Nigerian authorities have confirmed.

According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 1,094 citizens have so far indicated their willingness to return home, a sharp increase from the 130 people who initially enrolled in the repatriation programme when it was launched last month.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigerian and South African officials are currently conducting a joint screening exercise to determine eligibility for the evacuation programme. Authorities expect the final number of returnees to be confirmed once the verification process is completed.

The development comes amid growing concern over anti-immigrant protests and violence in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have increasingly been blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Recent incidents have targeted migrants from several African countries, prompting fears of a wider humanitarian crisis.

South African authorities have agreed to waive certain immigration penalties, including visa overstay violations, for Nigerians participating in the voluntary repatriation exercise. However, individuals facing criminal charges will not be eligible for evacuation under the programme.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned attacks on its citizens and has engaged South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians residing in the country. Diplomatic efforts have also focused on securing safe passage for those wishing to return home.

The repatriation effort follows similar actions by other African nations, including Ghana and Mozambique, which have already evacuated or assisted citizens affected by recent anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the South African government has condemned xenophobic violence and announced plans to dispatch special envoys across Africa and other regions to reassure partner countries and address concerns over the recent attacks.