Nigeria Begins Repatriating Citizens from South Africa After Attacks
Nigeria has started returning hundreds of its nationals from South Africa following recent violence. South African authorities announced new enforcement measures while Nigeria considers further steps.
france24.comNigeria began repatriating hundreds of its citizens from South Africa this week after at least two Nigerian men died during anti-immigration protests in April. Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on Monday that South African authorities had not done enough to stop violence against Nigerians.
She stated that Nigerians with legal status were being harassed and that legitimate businesses were being looted.
African Government Response South African President Cyril
Ramaphosa announced new measures on Sunday evening to address irregular migration. Employers who hire undocumented workers now face imprisonment instead of fines, and dedicated courts will be set up to speed deportations. Ramaphosa also said a new biometric register covering every person in the country would be created.
He warned citizens against taking action themselves, stating that enforcing immigration laws rests with the state alone.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said retaliatory measures against South Africa were being considered at the highest levels of government. At least 1,000 Nigerians were initially scheduled for repatriation, with the number of people requesting return rising. Nigerian police spokesman Aliyu Giwa warned on May 31 against reprisal attacks on South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria.
Ghana has already repatriated more than 1,000 of its citizens, including 663 over one weekend, according to South Africa's Border Management Authority.
