A total of 397 Nigerians are currently undergoing screening in South Africa ahead of a planned repatriation flight, as xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner campaigns continue to escalate across the country. The screening process, which began on Thursday and is set to conclude on Sunday, is being coordinated by the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Reverend Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, confirmed the development on Friday, stating that over 600 Nigerians had applied to return home, but only 397 met the criteria for the first evacuation flight.
The screening aims to verify the legal status of each individual and ensure that those returning to Nigeria do not have pending criminal cases. Onyekwelu emphasized that many of the applicants had lost their jobs, livelihoods, or valid immigration documents, making it difficult for them to remain in South Africa. He noted that some had become undocumented migrants after failing to renew their permits, increasing their vulnerability amid the current unrest. “The screening for the repatriation started on Thursday and will end on Sunday, after which about 397 people will be on the first flight back home,” he said.
Authorities in eThekwini Municipality, which includes Durban, have reportedly moved foreign nationals to screening centres to verify their documentation. This follows a series of anti-foreigner protests that have swept through major South African cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal since early this year. Nigerians have been among the most affected groups, with some still awaiting developments after receiving threats in KwaZulu-Natal demanding that foreigners leave by June 30.
The Nigerian Consulate and High Commission in Pretoria are working closely with the Federal Government to finalize flight arrangements, though the exact date for the first repatriation flight has not yet been confirmed. The process reflects ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to protect its citizens abroad during periods of heightened insecurity. The repatriation also underscores the growing challenges faced by Nigerian migrants in South Africa, where economic hardship and political instability have fueled xenophobic sentiments.
As the screening concludes, the focus will shift to logistical planning for the flight and ensuring the safe return of the 397 Nigerians. The situation highlights the need for continued diplomatic engagement and support for Nigerian citizens living abroad, especially in volatile environments. This repatriation effort is expected to set a precedent for future responses to similar crises, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its diaspora.
Leave a Comment