Nigeria has begun processing the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa as anxiety grows over renewed anti-immigrant protests and allegations of abuse against foreign nationals. Abuja says the programme is aimed mainly at Nigerians whose visas have expired or whose immigration documents are no longer regular, allowing them to return home before being caught up in enforcement actions or escalating unrest. At least 130 Nigerians have already asked to be repatriated, according to Nigerian officials.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said those seeking return are largely people who no longer meet the legal requirements to remain in South Africa. He said Nigerian missions were working with them on the process rather than waiting for them to be picked up by law enforcement. The repatriation request comes amid worsening tensions after anti-immigration demonstrations in parts of South Africa and reports of the deaths of two Nigerians in custody of South African security officials, a development that has intensified diplomatic concern in Abuja.
The latest strain follows a broader wave of anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, where unemployment remains above 30% and migrants are often blamed for social and economic pressures. In late April, hundreds marched in Johannesburg demanding stricter immigration enforcement, while many businesses shut out of fear of looting or violence. South African authorities have condemned xenophobic attacks and promised a crackdown, but criticism has persisted from African governments and migrant-rights groups who say official responses have been too muted and too slow.
For Nigeria, the repatriation effort is both a humanitarian response and a diplomatic signal. Abuja has summoned South Africa’s envoy, demanded accountability over the deaths in custody, and said it is closely coordinating with its missions to protect Nigerians still in the country. With further protests expected, officials say more citizens may choose to leave in the coming days.
