South Africa Repatriates 586 Nigerians Living Illegally
The first flight carried 268 passengers as officials enforce immigration laws and complete the return of the remaining group.
- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the first repatriation flight departed South Africa carrying 268 Nigerian nationals back to Nigeria, initiating removal of 586 individuals identified as residing illegally.
- Under the South African Immigration Act, authorities declared all 586 affected individuals undesirable persons, prohibiting their re-entry to the Republic for five years following removal.
- The Nigerian High Commission issued Emergency Travel Documents to all processed individuals, facilitating their return; The Department acknowledged the commission's cooperation throughout the documentation process.
- Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated, "Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws," citing a 46 percent increase in deportations over two years.
- A second flight is scheduled to depart Monday, June 15, 2026, transporting remaining individuals, while the Department introduces digital identity systems and smart ID cards to strengthen enforcement.
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Xenophobia: FG, evacuees slam S’Africa over documentation claims
By Nkiruka Nnorom & Dickson Omobola The Federal Government and 268 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa have rejected claims by Pretoria that all those returned to the country, yesterday, were undocumented, blaming delays on South Africa’s Home Affairs system for pushing many illegal status. The evacuees accused the South African government of delibrately delaying renewing their work permits and other documents, to have a reason to clampdown …
Xenophobia Evacuations: Nigerian returnee recounts traumatic experiences in South Africa
The South Africa returnee said she lived in the country for 22 years. The post Xenophobia Evacuations: Nigerian returnee recounts traumatic experiences in South Africa appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Some violent protests against migrant workers from other African countries have been taking place in South Africa for weeks. Nigeria has now begun to evacuate its citizens from the country.
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