First Batch of Repatriated Nigerians from South Africa Arrives Thursday
The first batch of Nigerians voluntarily repatriated from South Africa is scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on
Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The Federal Government confirmed the development on Monday, June 8, 2026, through the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
The government is deploying five evacuation flights operated by Air Peace to bring back willing Nigerians
amid rising xenophobic tensions and attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. The first flight is
expected to carry approximately 270 passengers.
Screening and verification exercises, conducted jointly with South African authorities, concluded on June
10, 2026, after an extension was granted to accommodate more applicants.
Over 1,000 Nigerians had registered for the voluntary repatriation programme, with more than 500
already cleared.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that the government is covering all
travel expenses as part of the humanitarian effort.
South African authorities have also agreed to waive certain penalties for immigration-related offences to
facilitate the process.
The repatriation exercise was triggered by a fresh wave of anti-immigrant protests and sporadic violence
targeting foreign nationals, particularly in parts of the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Mobs issued ultimatums, including a nationwide deadline of June 30, 2026, for undocumented
foreigners to leave the country.
Nigeria joined other African nations such as Ghana and Mozambique in organising voluntary returns for
their citizens. Ghana had already repatriated hundreds in previous weeks.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs assured that the process remains voluntary and that the safety and welfare of Nigerians
in South Africa, continue to be a priority.
Citizens still in South Africa were advised to remain calm, avoid flashpoints, and register at the Nigerian
High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg if they wish to return. The first batch is
expected to arrive on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
