South Africa’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has assured Nigerians that the country remains safe for tourism, business and other forms of travel.
Moroe gave the assurance during an interview on Nigeria Info FM while responding to concerns among some Nigerians about travelling to South Africa, particularly because of reports and content circulating on social media.
The Consul-General said South Africa remains open to Nigerian visitors and dismissed claims that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians.
“I just want to give reassurance that South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism, and South Africa is open for any other form of visit.”
Moroe also described as untrue claims that South African missions in Nigeria no longer issue visas to Nigerians.
He encouraged Nigerians planning to visit South Africa to obtain the necessary visa before travelling and comply with the country’s immigration laws.
“And it is also untrue to suggest that South African missions in Nigeria do not offer visas to Nigerians anymore.”
“I want to give assurance to Nigerians that it is safe to travel to South Africa. It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that before you travel, you ensure that you have your visa, you comply with the immigration laws of the country, you become a good ambassador of your country.”
Moroe advised Nigerian visitors to familiarise themselves with South African laws and understand their rights while in the country.
“When you get to South Africa, you know and understand your rights, but you must also familiarize yourself with the laws of the country.”
He further advised travellers to be familiar with their surroundings and know the locations of law enforcement agencies in case they need assistance.
“And like any other person, you. You choose places that you want to visit. Not to suggest that there are certain places that are not, but we all visit certain places and ensure that you also are familiar with the location of law enforcement agencies, just in case something happens.”
According to Moroe, the number of visa applications from Nigerians has almost doubled, which he said reflects continued interest in visiting South Africa.
He said the South African mission remains confident that Nigerians will continue to visit the country for different purposes.
“But I can assure you and the listeners, that it is safe to travel to South Africa. I indicated during the beginning of the show that the number of visa applications have almost doubled.”
“So we are quite comfortable. And we have no doubt that a lot of Nigerians who still want to visit South Africa, for whatever reason can still go there.”
