Johannesburg – Hundreds of Nigerians have voluntarily left South Africa amid anti-immigrant protests.
Commenting on the matter on Thursday, 11 June 1026, the Department of Home Affairs stated that “it has processed 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in the Republic of South Africa illegally”.
The department revealed that the first repatriation flight departed this morning, 11 June 2026, carrying 268 passengers.
“’All individuals processed for repatriation were issued with Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, enabling their exit from South Africa and return to Nigeria ,” the department said.
In accordance with the Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons and are consequently prohibited from reentering South Africa for a period of five years.
The department acknowledged the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
“A second flight, which will transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 processed for repatriation, is scheduled to depart on Monday, 15 June 2026,” the department said.
The department further reminds all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they are required to be in possession of valid visas or other authorisations that entitle them to remain in the Republic lawfully.
“Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and to regularise their stay,” the department said.
Home Affairs, Dr. Minister Leon Schreiber, said: “Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and restoring the rule of law.
“Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46% over the past two years, is clear evidence of this.”
Minister Schreiber, the immigration reform agenda includes the ongoing scale-up of the Electronic Travel Authorisation to record biometrics for every foreigner entering our country.
The reforms also include the replacement of the fraud-prone Green ID Book with Smart ID cards through a digital partnership with the banks.
Additionally, the introduction of a cutting-edge Digital Identity system is systematically enhancing the department’s ability to enforce immigration laws.
“In this context of ongoing progress, the public is again urged to never engage in violence or take the law into their own hands,” said Minister Schreiber.
Anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa has intensified, with groups like AmaBhinca and March and March issuing a 30 June 2026 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave.
The governments of Ghana and Malawi have also been repatriating their nationals from South Africa.
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