The Federal Government says screening has begun for Nigerians seeking voluntary repatriation from South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant tensions.
The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing fears over renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant hostility in the country.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, as authorities prepare for the possible return of affected citizens.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the final figure was still being determined but noted that the number of Nigerians seeking evacuation had already crossed the 1,000 mark.
The development comes as concerns continue to rise across parts of South Africa over protests and tensions targeting foreign nationals. The situation has again placed attention on the fragile relationship between migration, economic pressure and public safety in Africa’s largest industrial economy.
Reports indicate that Nigeria’s response follows similar actions already taken by other African countries, including Ghana and Mozambique, which have also moved to evacuate some of their nationals amid growing insecurity linked to anti-foreigner violence.
While South African authorities have maintained that enforcement operations are targeted at undocumented immigration, recent incidents have intensified fears among migrant communities, including Nigerians living in the country.
For now, Nigerian authorities say the repatriation process remains voluntary, with screening and verification exercises ongoing ahead of possible evacuation arrangements.