Xenophobia in South Africa: Nigeria wants to repatriate 1,000 nationals

Nigeria launched on June 5, 2026 a census and selection operation for its nationals in South Africa wishing to return voluntarily, amid anti-immigrant tensions marked by protests and reports of attacks. According to Nigerian authorities, over 1,000 nationals are likely to be affected by this voluntary return program. The identification phase for interested persons is already underway, with departures organized in stages in coordination with diplomatic services. Episodes of xenophobic violence have been reported in recent weeks in several South African localities.