Nigeria to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions

This initiative follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently repatriated hundreds of its nationals. Screening for Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation program began on Thursday, with expectations of over 1,000 individuals participating. Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria has secured waivers with South African authorities, allowing individuals with immigration-related offenses to depart on repatriation flights instead of facing detention.

South Africa, a major economic hub, has historically attracted workers from across the region. However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent, the nation has experienced recurring xenophobic protests, including recent outbreaks of violence. These events have reignited discussions across Africa concerning xenophobia, migration, and the disparity between pan-African ideals and the realities faced by migrants on the continent.

Concerns about potential violence have increased following an ultimatum from a citizen-led group demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30. The South African government has committed to stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants while urging citizens to avoid vigilantism. According to the statistics agency, over three million foreigners reside in South Africa, constituting 5.1 percent of the population, with more than 63 percent originating fro