Citizens of Nigeria escaping anti-foreigner violence in South Africa return to their homeland

On June 8, 2026, hundreds of protesters marched through a township outside Johannesburg, voicing their opposition to undocumented migrants, as one of them waved a South African flag during the demonstration in Springs, Ekurhuleni.

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This march occurred a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to take action against groups accused of inciting xenophobic violence, which has plagued the country.

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South Africa has experienced recurring episodes of anti-migrant violence, with protests escalating this year after vigilante groups issued an ultimatum for undocumented foreigners to leave by June 30.

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A group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following the surge in anti-immigrant attacks was scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Thursday, according to officials.

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For weeks, anti-foreigner violence has gripped South Africa, with armed gangs marching through parts of the country, demanding that individuals without residency papers leave by June 30.

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Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated, beaten, and forced from their homes by mobs, prompting many to flee in response to the threats.

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Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks amid the rising tensions.

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As Africa's largest economy, South Africa is home to over three million foreigners, accounting for just over five percent of its population, according to the country's statistics agency.

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The country's high unemployment rate, exceeding 30 percent, has fueled resentment towards migrant workers.

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A flight chartered by Abuja was expected to land in Nigeria around 11:00 am (1200 GMT) on Thursday, carrying 262 passengers, out of approximately 1,000 who have expressed their desire to leave South Africa.

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South Africa, a long-standing destination for both legal and undocumented African workers, has faced waves of xenophobic violence since 2008, when dozens of migrants were killed and thousands displaced.

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The latest surge in violence comes as political parties are preparing for local government elections in November.