Keypoints:
• Nigeria expects more than 1,000 citizens to join a voluntary repatriation programme
• Rising anti-immigrant tensions have renewed fears of xenophobic violence
• Ghana has already evacuated hundreds of its nationals from South Africa
NIGERIA has launched a voluntary repatriation programme for citizens living in South Africa, with authorities expecting more than 1,000 people to return home as anti-immigrant tensions escalate in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
The move follows growing fears of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa and comes weeks after Ghana began evacuating its own citizens. The repatriations highlight rising regional concerns over migration, unemployment and social tensions in Africa’s largest industrial economy.
The development follows Ghana’s recent decision to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa after a rise in anti-foreigner demonstrations and violence. The issue has attracted increasing diplomatic attention, with Ghana recently urging the African Union to address xenophobia in South Africa amid concerns over the safety of African migrants.
Screening begins for return programme
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, screening for the voluntary repatriation exercise began on Thursday.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said authorities were still compiling final figures but expected participation to exceed 1,000 people.
‘The total figure is not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,’ he said.
Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria said it had secured agreements with South African authorities to facilitate the return of citizens who may have immigration-related offences.
In a statement issued earlier this week, the mission said waivers had been negotiated to allow affected individuals to depart on repatriation flights rather than face detention before leaving the country.
The arrangement is expected to ease logistical challenges and encourage more Nigerians seeking voluntary return to register for the programme.
Economic pressures fuel tensions
South Africa has long been a destination for migrants from across the continent, attracting workers seeking employment opportunities in sectors ranging from construction and mining to retail and domestic services.
However, economic difficulties and persistently high unemployment have increasingly placed migration at the centre of political and social debates.
The country’s unemployment rate remains above 30 percent, contributing to frustration among some communities and fuelling periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant sentiment.
Recent demonstrations have revived concerns about xenophobic violence, a recurring issue that has periodically shaken South Africa over the past two decades. The debate has also spread into public services, with a South African court recently criticising discriminatory practices in healthcare access in a case highlighted by Africa Briefing’s reporting on clinic-related xenophobia.
Fears of renewed unrest
Concerns have intensified following an ultimatum issued by a citizen-led organisation calling for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by June 30.
The warning has raised fears of potential confrontations and renewed violence, particularly given previous outbreaks of anti-immigrant unrest that resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread displacement.
Human rights organisations and community groups have urged restraint while calling on authorities to ensure the protection of all residents regardless of nationality.
South African officials have maintained that immigration laws will be enforced but have warned citizens against taking enforcement into their own hands.
The government has repeatedly stressed that law enforcement agencies, rather than vigilante groups, are responsible for addressing immigration-related issues. Earlier responses to anti-migrant violence included a diplomatic outreach effort in which South Africa announced plans to dispatch special envoys following attacks on migrants.
Ghana also evacuates citizens
Nigeria’s action follows similar measures taken by Ghana.
Last month, Ghana repatriated approximately 300 citizens from South Africa in what officials described as the first phase of a broader evacuation effort.
Authorities indicated that as many as 800 Ghanaian nationals could eventually be assisted to return home should conditions continue to deteriorate. The evacuation mirrors an earlier operation reported by Africa Briefing when Ghana announced plans to evacuate 300 citizens following attacks in South Africa.
The evacuations reflect growing unease among African governments about the safety and welfare of their citizens amid rising tensions.
Regional migration challenge
According to South Africa’s statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals live in the country, accounting for about 5.1 percent of the population.
More than 63 percent originate from member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), underlining South Africa’s role as a key destination for regional migration.
Analysts say the latest repatriation efforts highlight broader challenges facing African countries as they seek to balance labour mobility, economic pressures and social cohesion.
As Nigeria prepares to bring home more than 1,000 citizens, the situation is likely to remain a focal point in regional discussions about migration, security and economic opportunity.
