Nigeria will begin repatriating its citizens from South Africa this week following anti-immigrant protests and attacks that have raised concerns among foreign...
Nigeria will begin repatriating its citizens from South Africa this week following anti-immigrant protests and attacks that have raised concerns among foreign nationals living in the country.
The Nigerian government has scheduled the first repatriation flight for Wednesday. According to Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 500 people have already been screened and cleared to travel.
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The repatriation exercise comes amid a rise in xenophobic protests in South Africa in recent months. The demonstrations have prompted concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living and working in the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday and outlined measures that his administration intends to implement in response to the growing tensions.
South Africa experienced similar violence in 2008 when attacks targeting migrants resulted in the deaths of about 60 people and displaced around 50,000 others. The recent protests have raised fears of renewed violence.
Nigerian airline Air Peace has been selected to manage the repatriation programme. The first flight is expected to transport 270 passengers back to Nigeria.
According to previous reports cited by Reuters on June 5, at least 1,094 Nigerians had expressed interest in returning home from South Africa.
South African authorities have reportedly agreed to waive penalties related to visa violations, including overstays, to facilitate the departure process. However, individuals facing criminal charges will not qualify for repatriation under the arrangement.
The repatriation programme is expected to continue through a series of five flights organised by the Nigerian government to assist citizens wishing to return home.
Meanwhile, Ghana has also undertaken a similar exercise. According to the Border Management Authority, 654 Ghanaian citizens were repatriated from South Africa over the weekend.
The developments highlight growing concerns over the impact of anti-immigrant protests on foreign nationals living in South Africa and have prompted affected countries to assist their citizens who wish to leave.
