The Federal Government has launched the screening of Nigerians interested in returning from South Africa as concerns grow over renewed xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests in parts of the country.
The exercise commenced at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and forms part of a special repatriation initiative unveiled by the Federal Government last month. The programme is designed to support Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa following increasing hostility towards foreign nationals.
In a public notice, the Nigerian mission disclosed that the screening exercise would run until Sunday. Sources close to the process revealed that approximately 400 Nigerians are currently undergoing documentation and verification in the first phase of the evacuation programme, according to Politics Nigeria.
The High Commission also moved to reassure participants, particularly those facing immigration-related challenges, that they would not be arrested during the screening process. The mission explained that South African authorities had approved waivers to allow affected individuals take part in the exercise without the risk of detention.
The repatriation effort comes amid heightened fears over the security of migrants in South Africa, where anti-foreigner demonstrations have continued to spread across several communities.
A growing number of foreign nationals are reportedly leaving the country after anti-immigration groups issued a June 30 deadline demanding that undocumented migrants depart South Africa. The development has sparked anxiety among immigrant populations and prompted several countries to begin evacuation plans for their citizens.
Ghana has already commenced evacuation flights for its nationals, while Nigeria is expected to facilitate the return of between 2,000 and 4,000 citizens under the ongoing programme. Mozambique has equally evacuated hundreds of its citizens and signalled its readiness to repatriate more if the situation worsens.
Reports indicate that many displaced foreigners have taken refuge in community centres after abandoning their homes. Some migrants recounted spending days hiding in bushes and mountainous areas before reaching temporary shelters.
Violence escalated recently in the coastal town of Mossel Bay, where protesters allegedly set dozens of informal structures ablaze during demonstrations linked to anti-foreigner sentiments.
South African police have confirmed the deaths of two Mozambican nationals in incidents connected to the protests, marking some of the first fatalities recorded in the latest wave of anti-migrant unrest.
The protests have largely been fuelled by claims from some groups that undocumented migrants contribute to rising crime, unemployment and increased pressure on public services. In several affected areas, protesters armed with sticks, whips and other weapons have reportedly moved through communities demanding that migrants leave.
As tensions continue to rise, South African security agencies have cautioned against acts of vigilantism and unlawful attacks on foreign nationals.
Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili warned anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that security agencies would not condone intimidation, illegal operations or violence directed at individuals based on their nationality.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has continued to urge Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain peaceful, obey local laws and cooperate with authorities while diplomatic engagements aimed at safeguarding their welfare continue.
The evacuation programme is expected to progress in the coming days as additional Nigerians register their interest in returning home.
