South Africa has commenced the repatriation of 586 Nigerian nationals found to be residing illegally in the country, with the first batch of 268 deportees returned on Thursday.
The South African Department of Home Affairs disclosed that all those processed for repatriation were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission to facilitate their return to Nigeria.
According to the department, the affected Nigerians were declared undesirable persons under South Africa’s Immigration Act and have been barred from re-entering the country for a period of five years.
The department commended the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
A second flight conveying the remaining deportees is scheduled for June 15, which will complete the exercise.
South African authorities reiterated that all foreign nationals residing in the country must possess valid visas or legal authorisation permitting their stay and urged migrants to regularise their status where necessary.
Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said the government remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening the rule of law.
Schreiber disclosed that deportations and repatriations carried out by the department had increased by 46 per cent over the past two years, reflecting intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving border management and identity verification, including the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, wider adoption of Smart ID cards and the development of a Digital Identity platform.
The minister, however, urged members of the public not to take the law into their own hands or engage in acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The repatriation exercise forms part of South Africa’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and improve migration management through technology-driven reforms under the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Michael Olugbode
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