Key facts
- Hundreds of Nigerian migrants have been repatriated from South Africa due to rising anti-immigrant sentiment and violence.
- Returning migrants face worsened economic conditions in Nigeria, including high inflation and fuel prices.
- Iniebong James, a repatriated migrant, expressed worry about finding employment in Nigeria.
- Omotola Adeniyi faced discrimination in South Africa, being told 'we don't want to employ foreigners'.
- Nigeria and Ghana have lodged diplomatic protests with South Africa over the treatment of their citizens.
Hundreds of Nigerian migrants, including Iniebong James, have been repatriated from South Africa due to a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment and violence. James, who had lived in South Africa for a decade as a car mechanic despite an expired visa, returned to Nigeria hoping for a better life. However, he found that the economic conditions he fled, including high unemployment and power outages, have worsened significantly. Nigeria has implemented far-reaching economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to skyrocketing inflation and drastically increased fuel prices. James expressed concern about finding a job, stating, 'I would submit my CV if anybody can accept me, but I am still hoping for the government to help me.'
Omotola Adeniyi, another Nigerian migrant who moved to South Africa at age 8, also returned after facing discrimination in the job market, with employers unwilling to hire foreigners. She noted that home now feels foreign after 11 years away. The repatriation efforts have drawn diplomatic reactions, with Nigeria and Ghana summoning South African officials and issuing strong statements. Despite the challenges, experts suggest South Africa remains a destination of choice for many African migrants due to its relatively more advanced economy and infrastructure, though outbursts of xenophobic violence are a recurring issue.