Nigerians evacuated from South Africa due to escalating xenophobic attacks were already eager to return home even before the violence intensified, according to Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigeria Union South Africa. Speaking on Wednesday, Nwobi revealed that many of the affected nationals had been stranded for months, unable to renew their visas or obtain stay permits, leaving them vulnerable to arrest and harassment. He emphasized that South Africa’s strict immigration laws mean overstaying a visa automatically classifies individuals as illegal immigrants, putting them at risk of detention and deportation.
Nwobi explained that despite their desire to return, many Nigerians faced bureaucratic hurdles that delayed their departure. Some had applied for asylum but received rejections, while others were caught in prolonged processing times for visa renewals. “People you see here felt unsafe and stranded,” he said, adding that the Nigerian community had repeatedly urged the government to intervene. The situation worsened during recent xenophobic attacks, which targeted foreign nationals, including Nigerians, resulting in loss of life and destruction of property.
At least two Nigerians were killed in the recent violence, and numerous others suffered attacks on their homes and businesses. Community leaders have documented 105 Nigerian deaths in South Africa over the past seven years, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by the diaspora. The Nigerian government has responded by expanding the voluntary repatriation program, with the Foreign Affairs Ministry extending screening by the High Commission in Pretoria until Sunday, June 14, 2026. This move aims to ensure that more Nigerians can return safely and with dignity.
The Ministry, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, stressed that protecting Nigerian citizens abroad remains a core foreign policy priority. The ongoing evacuation efforts reflect the government’s commitment to providing support, care, and protection to its citizens in crisis. A total of 268 Nigerians were expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday, marking another phase in the repatriation process.
As the situation in South Africa remains tense, the Nigerian government continues to monitor developments closely. The repatriation program underscores the importance of safeguarding Nigerian lives abroad and ensuring that citizens are not left vulnerable to violence or legal complications. The return of these nationals is not just a logistical operation but a demonstration of national solidarity and responsibility.
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