Over 1,000 Nigerians expected to join voluntary return programme as concerns grow over anti-immigrant sentiment.
The Federal Government has commenced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa amid growing concerns over rising anti-immigrant sentiment and renewed xenophobic tensions.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for a voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday, with officials expecting over 1,000 citizens to participate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the final number of returnees is still being determined.
In a statement, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had secured waivers from South African authorities to allow Nigerians with immigration-related offences to return home through the programme instead of facing detention.
The development follows recent anti-immigrant protests and growing fears of violence after a citizen-led group reportedly issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of undocumented migrants by June 30.
South Africa, which hosts more than three million foreign nationals, has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, often linked to economic hardship and high unemployment.
Nigerian authorities said the repatriation initiative is aimed at protecting citizens who wish to return home voluntarily as tensions continue to rise.