The Federal Government has commenced arrangements to evacuate Nigerians willing to return home from South Africa following a resurgence of xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Friday that the screening process for a voluntary repatriation exercise began on Thursday, with authorities expecting a large number of Nigerians to participate.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said preliminary figures indicated that more than 1,000 Nigerians had expressed interest in returning to the country, although the final number had yet to be confirmed.
According to him, the government is working to ensure a smooth and orderly process for citizens who choose to take advantage of the repatriation programme.
“The total figure is not out yet, but we are expecting over 1,000 people,” Ebienfa said.
The planned evacuation comes amid renewed incidents of anti-foreigner protests and attacks in South Africa, where concerns have mounted over the safety of immigrants from other African countries.
The development follows a similar move by the Ghanaian government, which recently facilitated the return of hundreds of its nationals from South Africa amid escalating tensions.
South Africa, once regarded as one of Africa’s leading economic destinations, has in recent years witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, fuelled largely by economic pressures, high unemployment and growing hostility towards foreign workers. The latest unrest has once again sparked debate over migration, regional integration and the treatment of African migrants across the continent.
