Nigeria is working on plans to facilitate the permanent repatriation of its citizens in South Africa who wish to return home.
The move follows recent protests and rising tensions linked to undocumented immigrants and border control.
The Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter has confirmed the development, citing concerns around safety and livelihoods for Nigerian nationals.
President of the organisation, Dr ABC Okokoh, says the initiative is aimed at assisting those who want to leave South Africa voluntarily.
“The government of Nigeria have taken uh because uh it’s intended to ensure that the citizens are not stranded here, especially those who would like to relocate, uh, permanently, those who want to start life anew in Nigeria, and also to help us douse the tension here,” Okokoh says.
He says the current tensions appear to be directed at undocumented migrants.
“Uh, because you can see what’s going on now. Uh, the, the so-called protests, which I call a campaign is actually targeted, uh, at undocumented, uh, uh, migrants, especially also, uh, black, black migrants, because when we see documented migrants in South Africa, it doesn’t mean it’s, uh, it’s only African migrants that are here. There are migrants from other… Countries, for example, include those from Asia and other areas. It doesn’t mean that it’s only blacks that are, uh, the ones who are undocumented. Uh, so this issue of undocumentation is not necessarily by choice. It might be due to certain, or what I may call obvious reasons why, uh, most people who are here.”
Authorities say the repatriation process will be voluntary, with names of those interested currently being compiled across provinces.
“It is entirely voluntary in the first place. And another thing you must understand is that Nigerians are not just concentrated in one particular place, let’s say Johannesburg. There are other, others in other provinces. So it’s, it’s not an easy process. It’s something that is actually being done,” Okokoh says.
He adds that verification processes will be conducted to ensure those returning are eligible.
“The names are being compiled. On the missions involved, once they have the numbers, the aeroplane will calm down, and actually, they will be on board to go back home. But we also, we must understand that it’s not just about compiling names. There are other things that need to be done, profiling and ensuring that… These are actually Nigerians, and these are genuinely those who are supposed to go home and be able to start life anew in Nigeria.”
Okokoh says similar repatriation efforts have taken place in the past, including in 2021, depending on prevailing conditions.
He also acknowledged challenges faced by undocumented migrants, including the high cost of travel and difficulties in regularising their status.
“Uh, this issue of compiling their names, uh, did not just start because of this campaign that is going on now… There has been this conversation in the Nigerian community, especially those who feel that they are doing nothing here, those who feel that they are stranded, they are trying to get home… this is a flight ticket, and flights are very expensive,” he says.
On concerns raised by South Africans regarding undocumented migrants, Okokoh says the issue is complex and linked to administrative capacity.
Nigeria plans repatriation of willing citizens from SA
“You know, this is the issue the government is grappling with here… recognising people who are undocumented is not an easy job… the issue of enforcement is also another area… applications will take a while because of the number of applications they are receiving,” he says.
He adds that migration should be approached from a humanitarian perspective.
“This is a humanitarian issue… humanitarian issues are not treated in a militant way… ” You actually approach militant humanitarian issues in a humanitarian way,” Okokoh says.
South African authorities have previously indicated that deportations have increased in recent years as part of broader immigration management efforts.
The repatriation initiative is expected to continue as both governments and community organisations engage on migration and safety concerns.
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