Nigerians living in South Africa are increasingly requesting voluntary repatriation amid renewed fears over xenophobic tensions, with officials in Abuja confirming that many of those seeking evacuation lack valid residency documents.

Spokesperson for Nigeria’s foreign ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the repatriation effort mainly involves individuals whose legal status in South Africa has expired.

“Those indicating interest for voluntary return are persons without the legal requirement to remain in South Africa—some have expired visas or irregular documentation,” he said. “Rather than risk arrest by law enforcement, they are opting to return home, and our missions are facilitating that process.”

The development follows renewed concerns over anti-immigration protests and reports of the deaths of two Nigerians in police custody, which have prompted diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa.