Nigerians in South Africa are increasingly attempting to return home as xenophobic sentiments rise, with Abuja officials acknowledging that many of those demanding evacuation do not have legal residency cards.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s foreign ministry, noted that the voluntary repatriation campaign primarily includes those whose legal status in South Africa has lapsed.
Some individuals who have expressed interest in returning to Nigeria do not meet the legal residency requirements in South Africa. Perhaps their visas have expired, or their documentation is irregular,” he said.
“Instead of remaining there to be caught up with law enforcement… they are pleading to just leave the country and our missions are taking that up with them.”
Recurring incidents
The development comes as tensions build following reports of anti-immigrant riots and the deaths of two Nigerians in police custody, triggering diplomatic talks between Abuja and Pretoria.
Residents in Nigeria’s capital expressed alarm about the frequency with which similar incidents occur.
Elijah Kadiri called for greater government intervention: “What our government has to do, is to liaise with the South African government, and see how they can be able to stop it, because this is not the first time… where they start maltreating foreigners, killing foreigners.”
Activists have also lambasted South African officials for their perceived lack of response.
Sydney Usman Godwin stated: “For over four months, these xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa has not attracted the condemnation of Cyril Ramaphosa.”
While South African officials have condemned violence against foreign nationals and promised to take action, the situation is fuelling alarm within migrant communities, with more Nigerians anticipated to return voluntarily in the coming days.