More than 1,000 Nigerians have indicated their willingness to return home from South Africa following renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks and the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
The development marks a sharp increase in the number of Nigerians seeking repatriation, highlighting growing anxiety within the Nigerian community amid reports of violence and hostility directed at foreign residents.
According to officials, 1,094 Nigerians have registered interest in voluntary return arrangements, significantly higher than the number initially recorded when the repatriation process commenced.
Authorities from Nigeria and South Africa have commenced a joint verification exercise to determine the eligibility of those seeking to participate in the programme.
The screening process involves immigration and security agencies from both countries and is designed to ensure that only qualified individuals are cleared for repatriation.
Officials said the verification exercise is expected to conclude shortly, after which the final number of approved participants will be determined and arrangements for return flights finalized.
The voluntary return programme forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa following concerns raised over the treatment of some Nigerian nationals.
South African authorities have reportedly agreed to waive penalties associated with certain immigration violations, including visa overstays, for individuals approved under the programme.
However, persons facing criminal investigations or pending legal proceedings will not be eligible for repatriation until such matters are resolved.
The increase in applications for voluntary return comes amid renewed scrutiny of xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced hostility, violence and discrimination.
Nigeria has consistently expressed concern over attacks involving its citizens and has called for stronger protection of foreign residents living and working in South Africa.
Recent reports of assaults involving Nigerian nationals have further heightened tensions and prompted renewed calls for action from both governments.
Diplomatic channels between Abuja and Pretoria remain active as officials work to address the concerns of affected citizens while maintaining bilateral relations between the two countries.
The latest repatriation process is being coordinated alongside similar arrangements involving nationals from other African countries.
Officials indicated that repatriation requests from several countries are currently being processed with each case undergoing separate verification procedures before travel arrangements are approved.
Analysts note that the growing number of Nigerians seeking voluntary return underscores the broader challenges facing migrant communities across parts of Africa, including concerns over security, economic opportunities and social integration.
South Africa remains one of the continent’s largest economies and has long attracted migrants from across Africa seeking employment, business opportunities and education.
However, recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence have continued to generate concern among foreign communities and regional governments.
For Nigeria, the development has renewed discussions about citizen protection abroad and the need for stronger mechanisms to support Nigerians living outside the country.
As the screening exercise nears completion, attention will shift to the logistics of the repatriation process and the number of Nigerians ultimately cleared to return home under the voluntary programme.
