More than 1,000 Nigerians living in South Africa have indicated their desire to return home as renewed xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant sentiment continue to spread across parts of the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that at least 1,094 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation under a government-assisted return programme, marking a sharp increase from the 130 people who initially signed up when the initiative was launched weeks ago. Nigerian and South African officials have commenced a joint screening exercise to determine those eligible for evacuation.
The growing number of Nigerians seeking to leave comes amid renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in several South African communities. Recent anti-immigrant protests have forced hundreds of African migrants to flee their homes, with some seeking refuge in town halls, temporary shelters and remote locations for safety. Reports indicate that mobs have attacked homes and businesses belonging to foreign nationals, accusing immigrants of contributing to unemployment and crime.
The situation has become increasingly alarming following reports from Mozambique that at least five of its citizens were killed during recent xenophobic violence in South Africa’s Western Cape region. Several homes were also destroyed, while many migrants fled in fear of further attacks.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said authorities from both countries are working together to process applications and facilitate the safe return of eligible Nigerians. South African authorities have reportedly agreed to waive certain immigration-related penalties, including overstayed visas, for those approved under the repatriation programme.
The latest tensions have reignited concerns about recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreigners have periodically faced hostility during times of economic hardship and high unemployment. With unemployment remaining above 30 percent, anti-immigrant groups have become increasingly vocal, and some organizations have reportedly issued deadlines demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks and announced plans to send diplomatic envoys across Africa to reassure neighboring countries and address concerns over the safety of foreign nationals. He insisted that xenophobic violence does not represent the values of South Africa and called for peaceful solutions to migration challenges.
The developments have once again placed relations between Africa’s two largest economies under scrutiny, reviving painful memories of previous waves of xenophobic attacks that triggered diplomatic tensions and emergency evacuations of Nigerians from South Africa.
