FG Screens 400 Nigerians for Repatriation from South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Tensions

The Federal Government has begun screening Nigerians who want to return home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and growing fears among foreign nationals in the country.

Officials launched the exercise at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria as part of a special repatriation programme the government announced last month to assist citizens willing to leave South Africa amid escalating anti-immigration protests.

In a public notice, the Nigerian mission confirmed that the screening process would continue until Sunday. Sources familiar with the exercise said authorities are currently processing about 400 Nigerians in the first phase of the evacuation programme.

The mission also assured Nigerians facing immigration-related challenges that authorities would not arrest them during the screening exercise. According to the notice, South African authorities have granted waivers that allow affected individuals to participate in the repatriation process without fear of detention.

The screening exercise comes amid growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following a series of anti-migrant demonstrations across several communities.

Reports indicate that many foreigners have started leaving the country after activist groups issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa. The ultimatum has heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, prompting several governments to evacuate their citizens.

While Ghana has already begun evacuation flights for its nationals, Nigeria expects to facilitate the return of between 2,000 and 4,000 citizens through the ongoing programme. Mozambique has also evacuated hundreds of its citizens and has indicated its readiness to bring home more if necessary.

According to reports from affected areas, hundreds of foreigners have sought refuge in community centres after fleeing their homes. Some displaced migrants said they spent days hiding in bushes and mountainous areas before reaching temporary shelters.

The unrest intensified in recent days in the coastal town of Mossel Bay, where protesters set dozens of informal structures ablaze during violent demonstrations linked to anti-foreigner sentiment.

South African police confirmed that two Mozambican nationals died in incidents connected to the demonstrations. The deaths are among the first fatalities reported in the latest wave of anti-migrant protests.

Groups driving the protests have accused undocumented foreigners of contributing to crime, unemployment and pressure on public resources. In several communities, protesters armed with sticks, whips and other weapons reportedly moved through neighbourhoods demanding that migrants leave.

Amid the escalating tensions, South African security authorities warned against vigilantism and unlawful actions targeting foreign nationals.

Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili cautioned anti-immigration groups against taking matters into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement agencies would not tolerate intimidation, unlawful operations or attacks based on nationality.

The Federal Government has repeatedly urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and obey local laws while diplomatic efforts continue to safeguard their welfare and security.

Authorities expect the evacuation exercise to continue in the coming days as more Nigerians express interest in returning home.