First group of Nigerians returns home after anti-immigration protests in South Africa

The first group of Nigerians returned home from South Africa on Thursday as part of a government-ordered repatriation following violent anti-immigration protests. The flight to Lagos carried 262 passengers and three officials, according to Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, the ministry said over 1,000 Nigerians had registered for voluntary return.

South African authorities stated that the returnees were found to be in the country illegally, contradicting Nigerian officials' claims that they were fleeing xenophobic attacks. Nigerian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nigeria is the latest African nation to organize evacuation flights from South Africa. Since April, a series of anti-immigration protests have led to attacks against foreigners. The protests highlight tensions between foreign workers and locals who claim foreigners are taking their jobs. South African officials have condemned them as xenophobic acts.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the president ordered the “evacuation of imperilled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.” In a message to returnees, she stated: “The price of your peace and the safety of your children is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment.”

The evacuation by Nigeria follows Ghana’s repatriation of about 1,000 nationals from South Africa. South African officials said that most of the Ghanaians who returned home were undocumented. Liberia has also expressed concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa. Local media quoted President Joseph Boakai as saying that the government will take any necessary steps, including facilitating similar returns to Liberia.

According to South Africa's Home Affairs Department, 586 Nigerians were processed for repatriation after being found undocumented. The next group is due to leave on Monday. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said they were issued emergency travel documents by the Nigerian High Commission. He also said they were declared “undesirable persons” and prohibited from re-entering South Africa for five years. “Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and to regularise their stay,” he added.