A growing number of Nigerians living in South Africa are requesting voluntary return to their home country as fears of xenophobic violence and immigration crackdowns intensify. Nigerian officials say many of those seeking evacuation are undocumented or have overstayed their visas, making them increasingly vulnerable amid heightened tensions.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its missions in South Africa are currently handling requests from citizens hoping to leave before they are caught up in law enforcement operations or potential unrest. According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, most of those applying for repatriation no longer have valid documents to remain in the country legally.
“Those that have indicated interest for a voluntary return to Nigeria are some persons that don’t have the legal requirement to live in South Africa,” Ebienfa explained. “Maybe those whose visas have expired, or whose documentation is not regular. Instead of remaining there to be caught up with law enforcement, they are pleading to just leave the country and our missions are taking that up with them.”
South Africa has long been a destination for migrants from across Africa, particularly Nigerians seeking economic opportunities, education, and better living conditions. However, recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years have left many foreign nationals feeling unsafe. Migrants are often accused by some locals of taking jobs, increasing crime, or putting pressure on public services.
Recent reports of anti-immigration demonstrations and the deaths of two Nigerians in South African police custody have further escalated fears. These incidents have sparked concern in Nigeria, prompting fresh diplomatic engagement between the governments of both countries.
In Abuja, residents expressed frustration that the cycle of attacks and hostility toward foreigners appears to continue with little lasting resolution. Many believe stronger intervention is needed from both governments.
“What our government has to do is to liaise with the South African government and see how they can stop it, because this is not the first time,” said Abuja resident Elijah Kadiri. “We’ve seen cases where foreigners are mistreated and even killed. It has become too frequent.”
Civil society groups and activists have also criticised what they view as an insufficient response from South African leadership. Some say authorities have not done enough to publicly condemn xenophobic rhetoric or reassure migrant communities.
“For over four months, these xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa have not attracted the condemnation of President Cyril Ramaphosa,” activist Sydney Usman Godwin said. “Silence from leadership only increases fear among vulnerable communities.”
South African officials have previously condemned violence targeting foreign nationals and promised to hold perpetrators accountable. However, critics argue that law enforcement responses are often reactive rather than preventative, allowing tensions to repeatedly flare.
The latest developments have left many migrants weighing difficult decisions. For undocumented Nigerians, remaining in South Africa could mean arrest, detention, deportation, or being caught in anti-foreigner violence. For others, returning to Nigeria is not necessarily an easy choice, given economic hardship and limited opportunities back home.
Despite these challenges, many now view voluntary return as the safer option. Nigerian diplomatic missions are reportedly coordinating with affected individuals to process documentation and facilitate travel arrangements where possible.
The situation also highlights broader issues facing migrants across the continent, including legal vulnerability, unemployment, border policies, and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment. Analysts warn that unless both countries address the root causes of tension, similar crises are likely to continue.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most significant diplomatic and economic relationships, but migration-related tensions have occasionally strained ties. Both governments now face pressure to ensure the safety of their citizens while preserving regional cooperation.
For many Nigerians in South Africa, the decision to leave is driven less by choice and more by survival. As anxiety spreads across migrant communities, more voluntary return requests are expected in the coming days.
The unfolding situation serves as yet another reminder of the fragile realities many African migrants face while pursuing opportunities abroad.
