Nearly 2,000 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa since June amid a wave of anti-migrant protests and violence, according to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
South Africa has experienced months of protests, some of which have turned violent, with groups targeting foreign nationals and calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Nigeria has criticised the South African government’s response to the unrest and has facilitated the return of citizens who wish to leave.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry says 14 chartered flights operated between 10 June and 2 October, carrying a total of 1,926 Nigerian nationals back home.
The repatriation programme comes amid growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Nigeria’s National Assembly also recently suspended official visits by lawmakers to South Africa in response to the violence.
South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across the continent, largely because of its relatively developed economy and employment opportunities.
However, unemployment of more than 30% and persistent economic inequality have contributed to tensions over jobs, access to services and migration.
According to an AFP tally based on figures released by African governments, more than 200,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa through repatriation programmes organised by their home countries.
The latest evacuations highlight growing concerns among some African governments over the safety of their citizens living and working in South Africa amid continued anti-migrant sentiment.