The Federal Government has commenced the screening of Nigerians seeking to return home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and growing fears among foreign nationals in the country.
The exercise, which began at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, is part of a special repatriation programme announced by the Federal Government last month to assist citizens willing to leave South Africa amid escalating anti-immigration protests.
A public notice issued by the Nigerian mission confirmed that the screening process would continue until Sunday. Sources familiar with the exercise disclosed that about 400 Nigerians are currently being processed in the first phase of the evacuation arrangement.
The mission also assured Nigerians with immigration-related issues that they would not face arrest during the exercise. According to the notice, South African authorities have granted waivers to enable affected persons participate in the repatriation process without fear of detention.
The development comes as concerns continue to mount over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following a series of anti-migrant demonstrations that have spread across several communities.
Many foreigners have reportedly begun leaving the country after activist groups issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart South Africa. The ultimatum has triggered anxiety among immigrant communities, with several governments moving to evacuate their citizens.
While Ghana has already commenced evacuation flights for its nationals, Nigeria is expected to facilitate the return of between 2,000 and 4,000 citizens under the ongoing programme. Mozambique has also evacuated hundreds of its nationals and indicated readiness to bring home more people if necessary.
Reports from affected areas indicate that hundreds of foreigners have sought refuge in community centres after fleeing their homes. Some displaced migrants said they spent days hiding in bushes and mountainous areas before reaching temporary shelters.
The unrest intensified in recent days in the coastal town of Mossel Bay, where dozens of informal structures were set ablaze during violent protests linked to anti-foreigner sentiments.
South African police confirmed that two Mozambican nationals lost their lives during incidents connected to the demonstrations. The fatalities are among the first reported deaths associated with the latest wave of anti-migrant protests.
The protests have largely been driven by groups accusing undocumented foreigners of contributing to crime, unemployment and pressure on public resources. In several locations, groups of protesters armed with sticks, whips and other weapons have reportedly moved through communities demanding that migrants leave.
Amid the growing tensions, South African security authorities have warned against vigilantism and unlawful actions targeting foreign nationals.
Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili cautioned anti-immigration groups against taking matters into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement agencies would not tolerate intimidation, unlawful operations or attacks based on nationality.
The Federal Government has repeatedly urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and comply with local laws while diplomatic efforts continue to ensure their safety.
The evacuation exercise is expected to continue in the coming days as more Nigerians indicate interest in returning home.