Nigeria has started bringing home its citizens from South Africa after growing concerns over safety linked to rising hostility toward foreign nationals. A recent flight carried 268 Nigerians from Johannesburg to Lagos as part of an ongoing return process.
Around 1000 people have already registered with Nigerian officials in South Africa to return home. Other African countries, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, have also arranged similar evacuations as pressure increases on undocumented migrants ahead of a 30 June deadline set by activist groups.
Rising Safety Concerns for Migrants in South Africa
South Africa has been facing high unemployment levels above 30 percent, which has fueled public frustration and rising hostility toward migrants.
Some migrants say they no longer feel safe moving freely in public spaces. Reports of attacks and harassment have added to concerns, especially for those who have lived in the country for many years.
Returnees Share Accounts of Fear and Violence
Many of those returning describe difficult experiences before deciding to leave. One Nigerian man said he had lived in South Africa since 1998 but chose to leave after feeling unsafe due to ongoing threats and attacks.
A Nigerian hairdresser and mother of three said she experienced an attack at her workplace during an earlier wave of violence. She reported that the situation created constant fear for her children and affected daily life. While she expressed sadness about leaving friends behind, she said safety for her family was the main reason for returning.
Government Support for Returning Citizens
Emergency response teams are also assisting with transportation from Lagos to different states across the country to help returnees resettle.
Wider Regional Impact and Concerns
Other African nations have also reported the return of their citizens from South Africa due to similar concerns. While official numbers of recent deaths linked to xenophobic violence remain unclear, authorities in Mozambique have reported additional fatalities among their nationals.
South African police have confirmed some killings but have not always provided clear motives. Meanwhile, migrant communities continue to express uncertainty about their future in the country.
