Nigerian officials announced Friday that 1,094 of their citizens have requested voluntary repatriation from South Africa in the wake of xenophobic violence, marking a significant increase from the 130 people who previously sought to return home.
According to Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, a joint screening operation involving foreign ministry representatives from both nations, along with South African immigration and police officials, is currently underway to assess eligibility for return.
“The screening by foreign ministry officials from both countries and South African immigration and police will conclude on Saturday, with only those cleared to be repatriated and final numbers and flights set thereafter,” Ebienfa told Reuters.
South African officials have agreed to waive penalties for immigration violations including visa overstays, though people facing criminal charges will not be permitted to leave, according to Ebienfa.
While Nigeria submitted its repatriation list before Ghana, Ghana received priority for the return process, Ebienfa explained. Ethiopia is scheduled next in line after Nigeria, with transportation arrangements to be finalized once the screening concludes.
Nigerian leadership has strongly criticized the violence targeting its citizens in South Africa, particularly condemning the deaths of two Nigerian nationals who were allegedly attacked by security personnel.
