Nigeria is finalising the repatriation of more than 1,000 citizens who volunteered to leave South Africa amid rising migration tensions.
The announcement follows Ghana’s repatriation programme, which saw an initial group of 300 Ghanaian nationals depart South Africa to Accra on May 23, 2026, as part of a broader regional response to growing migration pressures.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed that 1,094 Nigerians have registered for voluntary return from South Africa.
The figure represents a sharp increase from the 130 applicants recorded when the programme launched a month ago.
“Total figure not out yet, but we are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa told Reuters.
With registration now underway, Nigerian authorities are profiling applicants across all nine provinces and encouraging citizens who wish to return home to begin the process through official diplomatic channels.
Who qualifies for Nigeria’s voluntary repatriation from South Africa
You qualify if you:
- Register voluntarily with the Nigerian High Commission or Consulate
- Hold a valid Nigerian passport or obtain an Emergency Travel Certificate
- Have no pending criminal charges in South Africa
South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties linked to immigration violations such as visa overstays. However, authorities will not clear anyone facing criminal charges or ongoing legal proceedings for departure.
Amid growing migration tensions and community unrest in parts of South Africa, some foreign nationals report intimidation and pressure to leave their neighbourhoods.
Concerns intensified following the killing of Nhlamulo Sambo in Mossel Bay, although police say the incident occurred during an alleged burglary and have not classified it as a xenophobic attack.
One citizen-led group has also issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Step 1: Register for Nigeria repatriation through a Nigerian mission
You must formally register your intention to return home through a Nigerian diplomatic mission.
High Commission of Nigeria (Pretoria)
Located at 971 Schoeman Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, the mission serves citizens in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.
Consulate General of Nigeria (Johannesburg)
Located at 16 Rivonia Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, the consulate assists citizens in Gauteng and surrounding areas.
Nigerians living in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape should contact either mission to confirm the nearest registration point.
Step 2: Submit documents for Nigeria repatriation screening
Officials will capture your personal details and supporting documentation to compile the final passenger manifest.
Identity verification: Present your Nigerian passport where available.
Emergency documentation: If your passport has expired, been lost or was stolen, officials can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) free of charge.
Community support: The Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) is helping diplomatic missions gather names and coordinate communication with citizens across the provinces.
The killing of Nhlamulo Sambo has intensified debate around migration tensions. President Ramaphosa recently acknowledged growing concerns during a state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto, where migration and regional cooperation featured prominently.
Step 3: Complete South Africa immigration and security clearance
After registration, applicants must undergo a joint screening process involving Nigerian officials, South African immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Immigration waivers: Nigerian diplomats have secured official waivers for certain immigration offences, including visa overstays. Eligible applicants can therefore travel without facing administrative penalties linked to those violations.
Criminal exclusions: Authorities will not approve departure requests from anyone facing criminal prosecution or unresolved legal matters in South Africa.
Nigeria repatriation flights are self-funded
Unlike previous evacuation efforts supported by Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema, the current voluntary return programme requires participants to pay for their own flights.
“Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria,” Ebienfa said.
The government will facilitate and coordinate the process, but applicants must currently cover their own travel costs. Officials have not announced any state-funded evacuation flights.
Migration pressures and foreign-born population in South Africa
The latest estimates (Stats SA) place South Africa’s foreign-born population at approximately 3.09 million people, representing about 5.1% of the country’s 61.1 million residents. More than 63% originate from SADC member states.
Nigeria submitted its repatriation list ahead of Ghana, but authorities prioritised Ghana’s departures first. Ethiopia is expected to follow Nigeria in the repatriation process.
Ramaphosa responds to South Africa migration tensions
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will deploy diplomatic envoys across Africa and other regions to address growing migration tensions and strengthen regional engagement.
The initiative aims to manage migration pressures while countering narratives that portray South Africans broadly as xenophobic.
“There will be envoys. There will be people that we will deploy, not only on the continent, but also around the world,” Ramaphosa said.
Related Coverage: Read our full report on Ramaphosa’s migration and regional stability discussions during the Kenya state visit.
What Nigerians in South Africa should do to register for voluntary return
Nigerians who wish to return home should contact the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Johannesburg as soon as possible to begin the registration process.
Applicants must pay for their own tickets, and participation remains voluntary.
Nigerian authorities continue to register citizens who wish to return home, while diplomatic missions coordinate documentation, screening and travel arrangements ahead of the next departure schedule.
