Key facts
- 1,094 Nigerians have registered interest in voluntary return from South Africa.
- The returns follow xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
- A joint screening process by Nigerian and South African officials is underway.
- Penalties for visa violations will be waived for eligible individuals.
- Individuals facing criminal charges are not eligible for repatriation.
- Nigeria has condemned violence against its citizens in South Africa.
Following a series of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Nigeria has reported that at least 1,094 of its citizens have expressed interest in voluntarily returning to their home country. Nigerian foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that this number is up from a previous 130 seeking repatriation. A joint screening process, involving foreign ministry officials from both Nigeria and South Africa, along with South African immigration and police, is currently underway to determine eligibility. This screening is scheduled to conclude on Saturday. South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties for visa violations, such as overstays, for those cleared for repatriation. However, individuals facing criminal charges will not be eligible to leave. Ebienfa noted that Nigeria's list was submitted ahead of Ghana's, but Ghana was prioritized, with Ethiopia next after Nigeria. Nigeria has condemned the violence against its citizens in South Africa, citing incidents including the deaths of two nationals allegedly assaulted by security officials. The governments of Nigeria and Ghana are offering to fly citizens home from South Africa after a spate of anti-migrant attacks.