South African authorities have repatriated a total of 586 Nigerians after they were found to be living in the country without valid immigration documents, in a move linked to ongoing enforcement of immigration laws and rising tensions in the region.
The affected individuals were processed by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and sent back to Nigeria in organised flights after receiving emergency travel documents from the Nigerian High Commission.
Not fewer than 268 passengers were part of the first batch flown out, while the remaining group is expected to be returned in a second flight scheduled in the coming days.
Officials confirmed that all those affected were declared “undesirable persons” under South African immigration law, meaning they will not be allowed to return to the country for five years.
The repatriation exercise comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign nationals in South Africa, where authorities have tightened immigration enforcement in recent months.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the operation is part of efforts to ensure that all migrants in the country remain compliant with visa and residency requirements.
The Nigerian government, through its diplomatic mission, assisted in the documentation process to ensure the safe return of its citizens.
Reports indicate that the first evacuation flight took off earlier in the week, with coordination between both countries’ authorities.
The situation has also sparked wider concerns across Africa as several countries continue to respond to rising xenophobic sentiment in South Africa.
Officials say further collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa is ongoing to manage the situation and prevent future diplomatic tensions.