June 8 (THEWILL) — The Federal Government will today commence the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in the country, just as President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced sweeping crackdown on illegal migration, unveiled tougher border security measures and stricter immigration enforcement amid growing anti-foreigner protests in parts of the Southern African country.
The removal of Nigerians who have signified willingness to leave South Africa will be done in three batches starting on Monday evening with the first group of 270 passengers aboard Nigeria’s private airliner Air Peace, the approved carrier.
Confirming this development on Sunday, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the screening of its citizens, who are willing to be evacuated to Wednesday with the first flight that would transport about 270 passengers expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights, which will be operated by Nigeria’s private airliner, Air Peace.
“This is, if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft. I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals, who have indicated interest to be evacuated back home, has been extended to Wednesday,” he said, adding that, “So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared.”
He further said that the flight’s departure and estimated time of arrival in Lagos would be provided in due course, subject to updates from Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa.
Speaking in a national address on Sunday, June 7, President Ramaphosa declared a firm stance on illegal migration, insisting that South Africa would no longer tolerate undocumented migration while warning against violence and unlawful actions targeting foreign nationals.
The address comes at a time of heightened tensions following a series of protests and reported attacks against foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Some groups have accused undocumented migrants of taking jobs and placing additional pressure on already strained public resources. Some campaign groups have also reportedly issued a June 30, 2026 deadline demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country. Responding to criticism that South Africa has become increasingly hostile toward foreign nationals, Ramaphosa dismissed claims that South Africans are inherently xenophobic.
“South Africa is not xenophobic. South Africans are not xenophobic and we are not racist,” he said, warning against allowing social media campaigns or organised groups to exploit public frustrations and encourage unlawful actions.
Declaring his government’s intention to tackle the issue aggressively, Ramaphosa said South Africa possessed both the legal authority and institutional capacity to deal with illegal migration.
“We must end illegal migration; we must deal with the challenges. We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal migration. We can enforce our laws, secure our communities, and overcome the problem of illegal migration,” the President said.
Despite his hardline message on border control and immigration enforcement, Ramaphosa urged citizens not to direct anger toward foreigners.
“We must not turn against foreign nationals and against each other. We must overcome these challenges through peace and love, not through fear, anger, or violence,” he said.
Ramaphosa also rejected claims that migration was responsible for South Africa’s economic difficulties.
While acknowledging that millions of South Africans continue to struggle with poverty and unemployment, he insisted that broader structural issues remained responsible for many of the country’s challenges.
“We know that migration is a global issue affecting many countries around the world. Our country, like many others throughout history, is itself a product of migration. Yet we must recognise that illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges,” he further said.
Ramaphosa argued that stronger economic growth, increased investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and large-scale job creation remained essential to solving South Africa’s socio-economic problems.
He also acknowledged that rising unemployment among young people had created frustrations that could fuel hostility toward groups perceived as competitors for jobs and resources. Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa welcomes foreigners who enter the country legally and comply with immigration regulations.
“We accept people from other countries who enter our country. Like other countries, we have laws on who may enter our country, what they may do, and the type of work they may undertake,” he said.
He admitted that weaknesses existed in areas such as border management, migration systems, and employment oversight, but assured citizens that the government would take corrective action.
According to him, South Africans have every right to demand improved services, stronger border protection, and better governance. Ramaphosa further noted that illegal migration had broader implications for national security and social stability. He argued that undocumented migrants are sometimes exploited by employers seeking cheap labour and lower operating costs.
As part of efforts to tighten immigration controls, the President announced a series of measures designed to close loopholes within the system and strengthen enforcement.
He said the government would intensify action against undocumented workers and illegal employment practices, accelerate deportation processes, establish courts dedicated to handling deportation matters, and increase inspections targeting businesses employing undocumented migrants.
THEWILL recalls that the Federal Government had announced that no fewer than 1,000 Nigerians are expected to leave South Africa under a Federal Government-backed voluntary repatriation programme following renewed fears over rising anti-immigrant sentiments and escalating xenophobic tensions in the southern African country.
Ebienfa had on Friday indicated that the number of Nigerians seeking to return home could exceed 1,000.
“Total figure not out yet. We are expecting over 1,000 persons,” Ebienfa said.
According to him, Nigerians with immigration-related offences would be allowed to board designated repatriation flights instead of facing arrest or prolonged immigration procedures.
The Nigerian move follows a similar action by Ghana, which recently initiated the return of its citizens from South Africa following growing fears surrounding anti-foreigner protests.
Ghana last month repatriated approximately 300 nationals as part of what authorities described as the first batch of an anticipated total of about 800 citizens expected to return.
South Africa has historically served as a major destination for migrants from across Africa because of its relatively advanced economy and employment opportunities. However, worsening economic conditions in recent years have intensified pressure on jobs and public resources.
According to available data from South Africa’s statistics agency, more than three million foreign nationals currently reside in the country, representing approximately 5.1 per cent of the population.
Of that figure, over 63 per cent are from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
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