South Africa Repatriates Undocumented Nigerians Amid Escalating Xenophobia

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed on June 10, 2026, that all 268 Nigerians being repatriated from the country are undocumented, citing violations of immigration laws. The statement came as tensions between Nigeria and South Africa escalated following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in Gauteng. A government spokesperson said the repatriation process aligns with legal frameworks for deporting individuals without valid permits.

The repatriation effort, led by South Africa’s Immigration Control Unit, involves the removal of Nigerians who entered the country without proper documentation or overstayed visas. A Home Affairs official stated, “These individuals are being returned to Nigeria in accordance with the Immigration Act, which mandates the deportation of undocumented migrants.” The process is expected to take several weeks, with the first batch of 500 Nigerians set to leave by mid-June, according to eNCA.

Nigeria’s government responded with a formal protest, warning of “serious consequences” if South Africa fails to protect its citizens. A statement from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are unacceptable and contravene regional agreements on migrant rights.” The statement also accused South African authorities of “systemic negligence” in addressing xenophobic violence. Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry has not yet specified the nature of its planned retaliation, but it has summoned the South African ambassador for a formal inquiry.

The repatriation follows a surge in xenophobic incidents across Gauteng, where migrants from across Africa have reported targeted violence, property damage, and harassment. In May 2026, over 1,000 Malawian residents fled a Durban informal settlement after clashes with local communities, according to GroundUp. Similar reports of attacks on Zimbabweans and Mozambicans have been documented by Al Jazeera, though no official figures on casualties have been released.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has not provided a timeline for the full repatriation of Nigerians, but the initial phase involves 500 individuals. A representative said, “This is part of a broader initiative to enforce immigration compliance and address the growing concerns of local communities.” The statement did not address allegations that some of the repatriated Nigerians may have been victims of human trafficking or forced labor, which have been raised by advocacy groups.

Nigeria’s threat of retaliation adds a new layer of complexity to regional diplomatic relations. The two countries have historically maintained close ties, but recent disputes over migration policies have strained relations. In 2023, South Africa deported over 2,000 undocumented Nigerians, prompting similar warnings from Nigeria’s government. Analysts suggest that the current standoff reflects broader tensions over migration governance in Southern Africa, where economic disparities and political instability drive cross-border movement.

The South African government has faced criticism for its handling of xenophobic violence, with local activists accusing authorities of inadequate protection for migrant communities. A coalition of NGOs, including the South African Migration Forum, called for immediate action to “prevent further violence and uphold the rights of all residents, regardless of nationality.” The group also urged the government to address the root causes of xenophobia, such as unemployment and resource competition.

As the repatriation process unfolds, the situation remains closely watched by regional and international bodies. The African Union has expressed concern over the “increasing hostility toward migrants in South Africa,” while the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for “transparent and humane enforcement of immigration laws.” The UNHCR’s regional office in Johannesburg has not yet commented on the specific repatriation of Nigerians.

For now, South Africa’s Home Affairs Department has emphasized that the repatriation of undocumented migrants is a routine operation. “We are not targeting any specific nationality, but upholding the rule of law,” a spokesperson said. However, the timing of the repatriation—coinciding with heightened xenophobic incidents—has raised questions about its political implications. Local media outlets have reported that some South African citizens view the deportations as a necessary measure to “protect local jobs,” while others argue the policies disproportionately affect vulnerable migrants.