XENOPHOBIA: Over 1,000 Nigerians seek repatriation from South Africa
Following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, over 1,000 Nigerians residing in the country have registered to be repatriated back home.
This was disclosed in a press statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the ministry, the number of citizens desperate to return home has surged significantly from the 130 Nigerians who had initially indicated interest.
To facilitate the process, a joint screening exercise involving officials from both Nigeria and South Africa is currently underway to verify the eligibility of those who have registered.
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The screening panel includes representatives from both nations, alongside South African immigration officers and police authorities. The exercise is expected to be concluded by Saturday.
“Only those who successfully pass the screening will be approved for repatriation. After this, the final number of returnees and specific flight arrangements will be determined,” Ebienfa explained.
Penalties waived, but criminal suspects barred
In a bid to smoothen the evacuation process, South African authorities have agreed to waive all immigration penalties for the returnees, including fines for visa overstays.
However, the ministry clarified that this waiver does not cover individuals facing criminal charges in South Africa, noting that such persons will not qualify for the repatriation exercise.
The spokesperson also threw light on the logistics timeline, revealing that while Nigeria submitted its clearance list ahead of Ghana, South African authorities chose to prioritize the Ghanaian process. Ethiopia is scheduled to follow immediately after Nigeria’s exercise is wrapped up.
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Final logistics and evacuation flights will be locked in as soon as the screening results are certified.
This massive repatriation request comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions. The federal government of Nigeria has repeatedly condemned the ongoing violence against its citizens in South Africa.
The situation recently hit a boiling point following the tragic deaths of two Nigerians, who were reportedly assaulted and killed by South African security officials.
