South African authorities have commenced the repatriation of 586 Nigerians who were found to be residing in the country illegally. The first group of 258 returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, as concerns mount over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
In a statement released on Thursday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the initial repatriation flight departed on June 11, 2026, carrying 268 Nigerians back to their home country. The remaining individuals are scheduled to leave on a second flight set for June 15.
All those processed for repatriation were issued emergency travel documents by the Nigerian High Commission to facilitate their departure, the department stated. It added that, in accordance with the country’s Immigration Act, the repatriated individuals have been declared undesirable persons and will be barred from re-entering South Africa for five years.
The department expressed gratitude to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation and reminded all foreign nationals in South Africa to maintain valid visas or legal authorizations at all times.
Commenting on the development, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. “Our ongoing lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46 percent over the past two years, are clear evidence of this commitment,” Schreiber said.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen immigration enforcement and identity management, including the expansion of electronic travel authorizations and the introduction of advanced digital identity systems.
The repatriation operation comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to address undocumented migration and respond to growing concerns over violence against foreign nationals.
Upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the returnees were received by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and other government officials. The evacuees—many of whom left behind businesses, jobs, and personal belongings—were accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.
After landing, the returnees underwent documentation, immigration clearance, profiling, and medical screening. Authorities also arranged temporary accommodation and support services ahead of their reunions with family members.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye described the evacuation as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerians abroad. “The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment anywhere in the world,” Enikanolaiye stated, emphasizing that the swift evacuation reflected Nigeria’s citizen-centered foreign policy.
The minister commended the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria for coordinating the operation and urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to promptly report any threats to the mission. He further noted that the Federal Government is engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and address the root causes of the attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the evacuation was a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and several agencies, including the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Aviation, Health, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and security agencies. The operation underscores the government’s determination to protect its citizens and uphold their dignity in the face of violence and intolerance.
Additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as authorities continue to assist Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attacks, offering hope and safety to those returning home after a period of fear and uncertainty in South Africa.
