Hundreds of Nigerians have returned home amid growing fears over xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests in South Africa.
Nigeria has evacuated 268 citizens from South Africa as anti-migrant sentiment continues to rise across the country. The evacuees arrived in Lagos on Thursday after departing Johannesburg, with Nigerian officials saying around 1,000 people have registered for repatriation.
The move follows similar evacuations by Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi ahead of a 30 June deadline issued by some anti-migrant campaigners demanding undocumented foreigners leave South Africa.
Many migrants say they fear for their safety as protests and xenophobic incidents increase. Some have reported threats, assaults and discrimination, blaming growing hostility on accusations that foreign nationals are responsible for unemployment and pressure on public services.
South Africa is grappling with an unemployment rate above 30%, while migration has become a major political issue ahead of local government elections scheduled for November. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced tougher measures against illegal migration but warned citizens against targeting foreigners.
Nigeria has urged South African authorities to curb xenophobic violence and protect migrants as tensions continue to mount.
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