Nigeria has begun arrangements to repatriate more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa following renewed fears over anti-immigrant attacks and rising tensions involving foreign nationals.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that screening for the voluntary return programme started on Thursday, with the exact number of Nigerians to be evacuated yet to be determined.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said on Friday that the process was ongoing, adding that the number of returnees was expected to exceed 1,000.

“The total figure is not available yet. However, we are expecting more than 1,000 persons,” he said.

The development follows a similar move by Ghana, which recently evacuated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa after protests and growing hostility towards migrants.

Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria had earlier announced that it reached an agreement with South African authorities to allow Nigerians facing immigration challenges to return home voluntarily.

The arrangement includes waivers that will enable affected citizens to leave through designated flights without facing detention or further immigration penalties.

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking jobs and better opportunities. However, high unemployment levels, currently above 30 per cent, have often triggered resentment towards foreigners, resulting in periodic xenophobic attacks and protests.

The latest concerns have sparked renewed debate over migration, African unity and the challenges faced by Africans living in other African countries.

Tensions have also increased following reports of a June 30 deadline issued by a civic group demanding the removal of undocumented migrants, raising fears of possible violence.

Meanwhile, South African authorities have urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands, stressing that migration issues should be handled through proper legal channels.