Nigerian authorities say more than 1,000 of their nationals residing in South Africa have filed for voluntary repatriation after a recent flare-up of xenophobic crimes and anti-immigrant tensions in the country.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 1,094 individuals have so far registered their interest to return home, a huge jump from the 130 people who first signed up for the repatriation scheme when it started last month.
Nigerian and South African officials are conducting a combined screening exercise to establish eligibility for the evacuation programme, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said. The authorities are expected to certify the final number of returnees once the verification process is done.
The move comes amid increased worry over anti-immigrant riots and violence in parts of South Africa where foreign nationals have been increasingly blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Recent attacks have targeted migrants from a number of African nations, raising fears of a bigger humanitarian disaster.
South African officials have agreed to suspend some immigration fines, including visa overstay offences, against Nigerians engaging in the voluntary repatriation operation. But criminal charges will be a disqualifier for the project.
The Nigerian government has denounced many attacks on its people and has contacted the South African authorities to guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the country. There has also been diplomatic work to ensure safe passage for people who want to go home.
The repatriation comes after similar steps by other African countries such as Ghana and Mozambique, which have already evacuated or assisted people caught up in recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the South African government has condemned xenophobic violence and announced preparations to send special envoys across Africa and other regions to allay partner countries’ concerns about the recent atrocities.
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