Nigeria Begins Repatriation of Over 260 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Protests

Nigeria’s government initiated the repatriation of 262 citizens from South Africa on Thursday, following violent anti-immigration protests that targeted foreign nationals, according to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The flight, which also included three officials, marked the first of multiple planned evacuations, with over 1,000 Nigerians having registered for voluntary return, the ministry said. South African authorities, however, alleged that the returnees were in the country illegally, contradicting Nigerian claims that they were fleeing xenophobic attacks.

Why Are Nigerians Being Repatriated?

The repatriation follows a wave of anti-immigration violence in South Africa since April, which has seen attacks on foreign nationals, particularly from neighboring African countries. Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated the evacuation was ordered to “protect imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.” South Africa’s Home Affairs Department reported that 586 Nigerians were processed for repatriation after being found undocumented, with the next group set to leave on Monday. Officials said those deported were declared “undesirable persons” and barred from reentering for five years.

Contradictions Over Legal Status

Nigerian officials and returnees disputed South Africa’s claims of widespread illegality. Humanitarian Affairs Minister Bernard Doro criticized the treatment of Nigerians, stating, “If there were issues of illegality, that would be determined on a person-to-person basis. You can’t just crown the entire Nigerians living in South Africa as living there illegally.” Some returnees, like Eminaba Beatrice, alleged systemic barriers to legal residency, citing years of difficulty renewing permits. “I was in South Africa for 11 years, and I was treated badly. They did not give us resident permits because we were Nigerians,” she said.

How Does This Compare to Other African Nations?

Nigeria’s evacuation mirrors similar efforts by other African countries. Ghana repatriated approximately 1,000 nationals from South Africa earlier this year, with South African officials stating most were undocumented. Liberia has also expressed concerns, with President Joseph Boakai pledging to take “any necessary steps” to ensure the safety of its citizens. The repatriations highlight tensions between foreign workers and local communities, with South African officials condemning the violence as xenophobic and urging compliance with immigration laws.

What Happens Next for Repatriated Nigerians?

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber emphasized that foreign nationals must “ensure their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws.” For Nigerians returning home, the process involves receiving emergency travel documents from the Nigerian High Commission. However, the broader implications remain unclear, with advocates calling for clearer pathways to legal residency for African migrants in South Africa. “The price of your peace, and the safety of your children is not worth any sacrifices you have to make,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, addressing those returning.

Associated Press reporter Mogomotsi Magome contributed to this report from Johannesburg.