More than 130 Nigerians in South Africa have registered for voluntary repatriation following renewed xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, according to the president of the Nigerian community in the country.
Frank Onyekwelu told Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday that the number has risen beyond earlier reports as more Nigerians cite economic hardship, documentation delays and health concerns.
The federal government announced on Sunday that it had begun arrangements for voluntary repatriation after attacks targeting foreign nationals. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu had ordered evacuation flights for those willing to return, and that 130 Nigerians had already registered with the mission in South Africa.
Onyekwelu said many applicants are struggling economically, with some out of work after two or three years and unable to renew residence permits due to documentation challenges. Others, he said, are choosing to return because of rising medical costs and difficulty accessing treatment as foreign nationals.
“Some believe they will not be dealing with rentals, maybe stay in their family home and concentrate on agriculture to sustain livelihood,” he said. “For some, it’s easier and cheaper to access health clinics in Nigeria than to pay private hospitals here.”
He added that Nigerian associations in South Africa are assisting with the registration process, and expects the number of applicants to keep rising as more people decide returning home is the most viable option.
