Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: John. O
Hundreds of Nigerians awaiting evacuation from South Africa are reportedly facing worsening hardship after delays in scheduled repatriation flights left many stranded without adequate shelter, food, transportation, or financial support. The situation has intensified concerns about the welfare of vulnerable migrants as xenophobic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiment continue to rise in parts of South Africa ahead of a June 30 deadline announced by groups targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
The growing humanitarian challenge was highlighted by the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, who appealed to the Nigerian government to accelerate evacuation efforts and provide emergency assistance to affected citizens. According to him, many Nigerians responded to official directives to register for voluntary repatriation and travelled long distances from various provinces believing arrangements for their return had already been finalized. Instead, many now find themselves stranded in unfamiliar locations with dwindling resources.
Among those affected are women, children, elderly citizens, students, workers, and entrepreneurs who had hoped to leave South Africa through the government-assisted evacuation programme. Reports indicate that some individuals have exhausted their savings after paying transportation costs to reach designated registration and screening centres. Others have reportedly been forced to rely on friends, community members, or temporary shelters while waiting for information regarding departure dates.
Onyekwelu said the circumstances facing many Nigerians had become increasingly distressing. He noted that several citizens were sleeping under difficult conditions while uncertainty continued to surround the scheduling of additional evacuation flights. According to him, those who complied with official instructions expected support and protection during the process and should not be left to endure avoidable suffering while awaiting transportation home.
The association also raised concerns regarding complaints from some registrants who alleged poor communication and insensitive treatment during parts of the registration and screening exercise. While specific allegations have not been independently verified, community leaders stressed the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians involved in the programme are treated with dignity and respect.
The appeal from Nigerian community representatives comes amid heightened anxiety within migrant communities across South Africa. Anti-immigration groups have reportedly intensified campaigns against undocumented foreigners, creating uncertainty among migrants from several African countries. Many foreign nationals fear becoming targets of harassment, discrimination, or violence as public debates over immigration, employment, and public services continue.
Some Nigerians currently residing in South Africa have described living under difficult conditions while awaiting evacuation. One individual who spoke anonymously recounted the growing fear surrounding the June 30 deadline and said many migrants were attempting to avoid public exposure while arranging their departure. According to the account, numerous people have taken refuge with friends and acquaintances after losing accommodation linked to their employment.
The individual claimed that some workers residing in employer-provided housing were asked to leave after concerns emerged over government measures targeting the employment of undocumented migrants. As a result, several families and individuals reportedly became homeless at short notice. While these claims reflect personal experiences and have not been officially verified, they underscore the uncertainty confronting many migrants as tensions continue to escalate.
Community members have also reported seeing foreign nationals from various countries gathered near diplomatic missions and consular facilities while waiting for evacuation opportunities. Witnesses described scenes of migrants surrounded by luggage and personal belongings as they sought information about departures and possible assistance.
Another Nigerian resident, Nze Akumezienwata, urged fellow citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety while making plans to leave the country. His comments reflected broader concerns within sections of the Nigerian diaspora community that the situation could deteriorate further if delays persist.
The evacuation programme was initiated following renewed reports of xenophobic tensions and anti-migrant protests in parts of South Africa. Such tensions have periodically emerged over the years, often fueled by economic challenges, unemployment concerns, and perceptions that foreign nationals compete for jobs and public resources. Migrant communities have frequently found themselves at the centre of these disputes, leading to episodes of violence and displacement.
According to records maintained by the Nigerian Union South Africa, at least 118 Nigerians have lost their lives in xenophobia-related incidents over the years. The organization has continued to advocate for stronger protections for Nigerians residing in the country and has called for greater cooperation between both governments to address recurring concerns.
Recent developments have further heightened fears after reports emerged of attacks on foreign-owned businesses and migrant communities in some areas. Foreign nationals have often been blamed by critics for social and economic challenges, although analysts note that such claims frequently oversimplify complex issues and contribute to hostility toward immigrant populations.
The Nigerian government has maintained that it is committed to ensuring the safe return of citizens who wish to leave South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu recently confirmed that the first batch of 258 Nigerians had already been successfully evacuated and arrived in Lagos on June 11. She disclosed that nearly 1,000 Nigerians registered for voluntary evacuation, leaving more than 742 people still awaiting transportation.
According to the minister, the evacuation programme received approval from President Bola Tinubu following reports of harassment, intimidation, and attacks affecting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa. The government has repeatedly assured citizens that arrangements are being made to complete the process before the June 30 deadline.
However, community leaders insist that urgent humanitarian intervention is needed while evacuation logistics are finalized. They have called on relevant authorities to provide temporary accommodation, food assistance, transportation support, and clearer communication channels for those awaiting departure. Such measures, they argue, would help prevent further hardship and restore confidence among affected citizens.
As the deadline approaches, attention remains focused on the pace of evacuation efforts and the welfare of those still stranded. For many Nigerians caught between uncertainty in South Africa and delays in returning home, the coming days may prove critical. Their representatives continue to urge swift action, emphasizing that behind every registration number is a human story marked by fear, sacrifice, and the hope of a safe return to Nigeria.
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