JOHANNESBURG – Hundreds of Nigerians have voluntarily left South Africa amid anti-immigration protests.
Commenting on the matter on Thursday, June 11, 1026, the Department of Home Affairs said it had “processed the deportation of 586 Nigerians found to be in the Republic of South Africa illegally.”
The ministry revealed this morning that the first repatriation flight departed on June 11, 2026 with 268 passengers on board.
“All individuals who filed for repatriation were issued emergency travel documents by the Nigerian High Commission, allowing them to leave South Africa and return to Nigeria,” the ministry said.
In accordance with the Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons and are consequently prohibited from re-entering South Africa for five years.
The Ministry acknowledged the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
“The second flight transporting the remaining people from the group of 586 people processed for repatriation is scheduled to depart on Monday, June 15, 2026,” the ministry said.
The Department further reminds all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they must possess a valid visa or other permit that entitles them to lawfully reside in South Africa.
“Foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status complies with South African immigration law at all times and that they remain in the country on a regular basis,” the department said.
Interior Minister Leon Shriver said: “The Department of Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws and restoring the rule of law.
“Our continued orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations have increased by 46% over the past two years, and this is clear evidence.”
Minister Shriver, your immigration reform agenda includes the continued expansion of electronic travel authorization, which records the biometrics of all foreign nationals entering our country.
The reforms also include replacing fraud-prone green ID books with smart ID cards through digital partnerships with banks.
Additionally, the introduction of a state-of-the-art digital ID system systematically strengthens the Department's ability to enforce immigration laws.
“As progress continues, we are once again urged to never engage in violence or take the law into our own hands,” Minister Shriver said.
Anti-immigrant sentiment is intensifying in South Africa, with groups such as Amabinka and March and March setting a June 30, 2026 deadline for illegal aliens to leave the country.
The governments of Ghana and Malawi are also repatriating their nationals from South Africa.
Related: President Ramaphosa announces tougher measures against illegal immigrants – The Bullrushes
