Nigeria, Ghana Offer to Help Citizens Leave South Africa Amid Attacks

The governments of Nigeria and Ghana are facilitating the voluntary return of their citizens from South Africa amid a recent wave of anti-migrant attacks. Nigeria's Foreign Ministry announced that over 1,000 Nigerians have registered for a repatriation program. Screening is currently being conducted by Nigerian and South African immigration officials to determine eligibility. South African authorities have agreed to waive visa violation penalties, such as overstays, for those participating in the program, though individuals facing criminal charges are excluded.

South Africa has seen a significant increase in protests targeting undocumented migrants this year, some of which have escalated into violence. Migrants report facing aggressive mobs demanding they leave the country, with accusations that they are committing crimes and taking jobs. These claims are amplified by high unemployment, poverty, and ineffective policing, leading analysts and rights groups to argue that migrants are being scapegoated.

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Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over a thousand persons.

Concerns about further violence have been heightened by an ultimatum issued by one group demanding the expulsion of undocumented migrants by June 30. Incidents of violence have been reported, including the deaths of five Ethiopian migrants in Johannesburg in May and five Mozambican nationals in the Western Cape in June. South African officials have condemned these acts and pledged to crack down on "xenophobic acts."

Ghana has already repatriated approximately 300 citizens and expects hundreds more to follow. Ethiopia is also preparing to bring its citizens home, and countries like Kenya, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have advised their nationals to exercise caution. South Africa hosts over three million foreign nationals, representing about 5.1% of its population, with a majority from the Southern African Development Community bloc. The country has a history of xenophobic violence, notably in 2008 when at least 62 people died in widespread unrest.

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South African officials have condemned the violence and promised to crack down on 'xenophobic acts.'