Evacuated Nigerians ready to leave South Africa over expired visas, failed asylum applications prior to xenophobic attacks: Union President
The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa, Smart Nwobi, says Nigerians being evacuated from the country were ready to return home prior to the xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in the country.
Mr Nwobi stated this while answering questions on the evacuation process on Wednesday.
“Some of these people wanted to go back home even prior to the xenophobic attacks. But what most South Africans dont know is that if you go to airport with expired visa, you can be arrested for contravening the laws,” he stated.
Mr Nwobi further highlighted the experiences of Nigerians in South Africa, noting those who sought to renew their visas or stay permits could not get them on time and were often targeted for indiscriminate attacks.
‘People you see here felt unsafe and stranded. At a point in time, we called upon the Nigerian government to tell them that some Nigerians are stranded, unable to get papers. Some of them have applied for permits but were unable to get them.
“And you will know that South Africa is populous in immigration laws and once you overstayed your visa, you become illegal immigrants,” the president added.
He added that some also had their asylum applications rejected.
Mr Nwobi’s statement came as 268 Nigerians were expected to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday (today).
The foreign affairs ministry, in a statement by its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, said ongoing screening by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria for Nigerian nationals willing to voluntarily return to the country due to the ongoing xenophobic attacks had been extended to Sunday, June 14, 2026, to accommodate more persons.
The statement stated, “This underscores the priority accorded to the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas, which remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the ministry of foreign affairs. It also reflects the government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians affected by crises abroad receive the necessary support, dignity, and care.”
Amid xenophobic attacks in South Africa, at least two Nigerians were killed while other suffered attacks on their property and businesses.
Also, Nigerian community leaders in South Africa noted that 105 of their compatriots were killed in seven years in rainbow nation. https://gazettengr.com/105-
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Audit stolen PVCs before Osun governorship poll, Yiaga Africa tells INEC
Yiaga Africa said the disruption of PVC distribution and theft of voting materials posed a direct risk to the voting rights of affected residents in the state.
States
NEMA, UNICEF strengthen emergency response in Gombe
NEMA and UNICEF strengthened emergency response through community engagement training in Gombe.
States
My statement was misinterpreted; I told APC supporters to kill Accord Party members with votes: FadahunsiÂ
Mr Fadahunsi said the viral video was deliberately edited to distort his statement.
Economy
TUC backs private sector equity in refineries, rejects outright sale
Mr Osifo said the government should reduce its equity to 49 per cent and allow credible private investors with technical expertise to hold the remaining 51 per cent.
Africa
Obasanjo urges Africa to develop its own democracy model
He said the democratic model adopted by African countries lacked sufficient African context and often failed to meet the continent’s needs.
Economy
Stock market reverses gains as investors lose N1.17 trillion amid sell-offs
Market capitalisation fell by 0.73 per cent from N160.421 trillion to N159.255 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) shed 1,806.18 points to close at 246,723.57.
