South Africa Repatriates 586 Nigerian Nationals Over Immigration Violations
By Calvin Iwunna
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Republic of South Africa has confirmed the repatriation of 586 Nigerian nationals who were found to be residing in the country without valid immigration documentation.
The country's Department of Home Affairs disclosed the development in a statement made available to Inside Agwa News, stating that the affected individuals were processed in accordance with South African immigration laws and officially declared undesirable persons.
According to the statement signed by the Department's spokesperson and Deputy Director-General for Operations, Thulani Mavuso, the first repatriation flight departed on Thursday, 11 June 2026, transporting 268 Nigerian nationals back to Nigeria.
The Department explained that all those processed for repatriation were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, facilitating their lawful return to Nigeria.
In line with the provisions of South Africa's Immigration Act, the repatriated individuals have also been prohibited from re-entering the country for a period of five years.
The South African Government expressed appreciation to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation and assistance throughout the documentation and repatriation exercise.
Authorities further announced that a second flight carrying the remaining individuals among the 586 processed for repatriation is scheduled to depart on Monday, 15 June 2026.
The Department of Home Affairs also reminded all foreign nationals living in South Africa to maintain valid visas and other legal authorisations required for their stay, urging them to regularise their immigration status and remain compliant with the country's laws.
Commenting on the exercise, South African Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber reaffirmed the government's commitment to enforcing immigration regulations while promoting lawful and orderly migration.
According to Schreiber, deportations and repatriations have increased by 46 percent over the past two years, reflecting the government's determination to strengthen immigration enforcement and uphold the rule of law.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving border management and identity verification, including the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, the gradual replacement of the Green ID Book with Smart ID cards through partnerships with financial institutions, and the introduction of a Digital Identity system.
While emphasizing stricter immigration enforcement, the minister urged members of the public to refrain from acts of violence or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that immigration matters should be handled through established legal processes.
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