The South African Department of Home Affairs has commenced the repatriation of 586 Nigerian nationals found to be residing illegally in the country, with the first batch of 268 individuals deported on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the department, all those processed for repatriation were provided with Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission to facilitate their return to Nigeria.
South African authorities said the affected individuals had been declared undesirable persons under the country’s Immigration Act and would be barred from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.
The department expressed appreciation to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation during the documentation and repatriation process.
A second flight carrying the remaining Nigerians is scheduled to depart on June 15, completing the repatriation exercise.
The Department of Home Affairs reiterated that all foreign nationals living in South Africa must possess valid visas or other legal authorisations permitting their stay in the country.
It urged migrants to ensure their immigration status remains compliant with South African laws and to regularise their stay where necessary.
South African Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said the government remained committed to enforcing immigration regulations and strengthening the rule of law.
According to the minister, deportations and repatriations carried out by the department have increased by 46 per cent over the past two years, reflecting intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
Schreiber also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving border management and identity verification, including the expansion of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system, wider adoption of Smart ID cards, and the development of a Digital Identity platform.
He stressed that while the government would continue to strengthen immigration controls, members of the public should refrain from taking the law into their own hands or engaging in acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The repatriation comes amid South Africa’s broader efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and improve the management of migration through technology-driven reforms backed by the administration of Cyril Ramaphosa. (vitalnewsngr.com)
