South Africa Repatriates 586 Nigerians Over Immigration Violations Amid Xenophobia Concerns

South Africa has commenced the repatriation of 586 Nigerian nationals found to be residing in the country illegally, with the first batch arriving in Lagos on Thursday amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.

According to South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, 586 Nigerians were processed for repatriation after authorities determined they had violated the country's immigration laws.

The department disclosed that the first repatriation flight departed on June 11, 2026, carrying 268 Nigerians back to Nigeria, while a second flight transporting the remaining returnees is scheduled for June 15.

"The Department of Home Affairs confirms that it has processed 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in the Republic of South Africa illegally," the statement said.

It added that all affected individuals were issued emergency travel documents by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to facilitate their return to Nigeria.

In line with South Africa's Immigration Act, the deported Nigerians have been declared undesirable persons and will be barred from re-entering the country for five years.

The department expressed appreciation to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation throughout the documentation and repatriation process. It also reminded all foreign nationals residing in South Africa to maintain valid visas and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

Commenting on the exercise, South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the government remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening border control measures.

"Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46 per cent over the past two years, are clear evidence of this," Schreiber stated.

He noted that ongoing reforms, including the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, the replacement of the green ID book with smart identity cards, and the introduction of a digital identity system, would further enhance immigration enforcement.

Schreiber also urged members of the public not to resort to violence or take the law into their own hands amid growing tensions surrounding undocumented migration.

The repatriation comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to address illegal immigration and amid concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Nigerian returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a special Air Peace flight at approximately 10:31 a.m. on Thursday.

The returnees were received by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, alongside other government officials. Officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by Temitope Alexander Ajayi, also accompanied the evacuees.

Upon arrival, the returnees underwent documentation, immigration clearance, profiling, and medical screening, while arrangements were made for temporary accommodation and support services before reunification with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the evacuation as evidence of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad.

"The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world," Enikanolaiye said.

He noted that the swift evacuation reflected Nigeria's citizen-centred foreign policy and reassured Nigerians in the diaspora that their welfare remained a priority.

The minister commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the operation and urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report any threats to Nigerian diplomatic missions.

He further disclosed that Nigeria was engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the factors fueling attacks against foreigners.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the evacuation exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and relevant agencies, including the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation, and Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and security agencies.

According to the ministry, the operation underscores the government's commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens and safeguarding their dignity in the face of violence and intolerance.

Authorities indicated that additional evacuation flights may be arranged as efforts continue to assist Nigerians affected by the situation in South Africa, offering many an opportunity to return home safely after weeks of uncertainty.