Nigeria moves to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa over xenophobia fears

Nigeria says it will repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions and renewed xenophobic incidents. The move follows similar action by Ghana, which recently returned hundreds of its nationals. Officials say screening has begun under a voluntary repatriation programme, with arrangements made to allow affected migrants to leave without detention. The development comes as South Africa faces high unemployment and periodic unrest targeting foreigners, prompting regional concern over migrant safety and growing migration pressures across Africa.

Nigeria has announced plans to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions continue to rise in the country, which has for many years served as a major destination for both documented and undocumented African workers seeking better economic opportunities.
The decision from Abuja comes shortly after Ghana carried out a similar exercise, repatriating hundreds of its nationals from South Africa following a wave of protests and violent incidents targeting foreign nationals. The developments highlight a growing regional concern over the safety and treatment of African migrants in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of xenophobic unrest have been recorded over the years.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, screening for the voluntary repatriation programme began on Thursday. Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the development on Friday, noting that the total number of Nigerians to be repatriated is not yet finalised but is expected to exceed 1,000 individuals. He explained that the process is still ongoing and figures may change as more eligible persons are identified and processed.
“The total figure is not out yet,” he said. “We are expecting over 1,000 persons.”
In an official statement dated Tuesday, Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria disclosed that it had negotiated waivers with South African authorities to ensure that Nigerians with immigration-related offences would not be detained while awaiting removal. Instead, they would be allowed to return home on organised repatriation flights. The arrangement, according to the mission, is intended to ease the process and prevent unnecessary hardship for affected citizens.
South Africa, which remains one of Africa’s most industrialised economies despite recent economic challenges, has long attracted large numbers of migrants from across the continent in search of employment and better living conditions. However, the country continues to grapple with a high unemployment rate, currently estimated at over 30%, a situation that has contributed to periodic resentment toward foreign workers in some communities.
Over the years, this tension has occasionally escalated into xenophobic protests and violent attacks against migrants, drawing condemnation both within South Africa and internationally. In recent weeks, there has been a renewed surge in anti-immigrant sentiment, with groups issuing ultimatums demanding the removal of undocumented foreigners by June 30. These developments have raised fears of further violence, especially given past incidents that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of migrants.
The current situation has also reignited broader conversations across Africa about migration, xenophobia, and the gap between the ideals of continental unity and the realities faced by migrants who move across borders in search of work and security. Analysts and observers have noted that while many African nations promote free movement and regional cooperation, the lived experiences of migrants often reflect economic pressures, social tensions, and policy enforcement challenges in host countries.
In response to the rising tensions, Ghana recently completed the first phase of its own repatriation exercise, bringing back around 300 citizens from South Africa. Authorities in Accra have indicated that the total number of Ghanaian nationals expected to be returned could reach about 800, depending on the progress of ongoing arrangements and screenings.
Meanwhile, the South African government has maintained that it is strengthening enforcement measures against undocumented immigration but has also urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Officials have reiterated calls for calm and emphasized that security agencies are responsible for handling immigration-related matters in accordance with the law.
Data from South African authorities indicate that more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in the country, representing about 5.1% of the total population. A significant proportion of these migrants—over 63%—originate from member states of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting long-standing patterns of regional labour migration driven by economic disparities within the continent.