LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian citizens began their journey home from South Africa on Thursday following government-mandated evacuations in response to deadly immigration demonstrations that have rocked the region.
The departure included 262 passengers along with three government representatives who boarded the aircraft bound for Lagos, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Ministry officials previously announced that more than 1,000 Nigerian nationals have signed up for voluntary departure.
South African authorities stated the departing individuals were residing in the country without proper documentation, disputing Nigerian government claims that citizens were escaping xenophobic violence.
Nigerian government representatives did not provide immediate responses to Associated Press inquiries for additional information.
Nigeria joins other African countries in arranging emergency flights to bring citizens home from South Africa. Beginning in April, multiple immigration demonstrations have resulted in violence against foreign residents. These demonstrations reflect growing friction between immigrant workers and local residents who believe foreigners are claiming employment opportunities. South African leadership has denounced these incidents as xenophobic violence.
Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained the president directed the “evacuation of imperiled Nigerian citizens who consider their lives at risk by continued stay in South Africa.”
“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 minister stated in her message to departing citizens.
Nigeria’s evacuation operation comes after Ghana brought home approximately 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa. South African officials reported that most returning Ghanaians lacked proper documentation.
Liberia has similarly raised alarm about citizen safety in South Africa. News outlets have reported President Joseph Boakai stating the government will pursue all required actions, including organizing comparable return flights to Liberia.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Department reported processing 586 Nigerians for departure after discovering they were undocumented. Officials indicated the following group will depart on Monday.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed they received emergency travel documentation from the Nigerian High Commission.
He additionally noted they were labeled “undesirable persons” and banned from returning to 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 regularize their stay,” he stated.
