South African authorities have begun the repatriation of 586 Nigerian nationals found to be residing in the country without valid immigration status, with the first batch of 268 individuals deported on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
In a statement issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs, the affected Nigerians were processed for repatriation after being declared undesirable persons under the provisions of the country’s Immigration Act.
The department disclosed that all those scheduled for return were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, facilitating their deportation to Nigeria.
Under South African immigration regulations, the repatriated individuals will be barred from re-entering the country for a period of five years.
The Department of Home Affairs commended the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation throughout the documentation and repatriation process, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the successful execution of the exercise.
Authorities further announced that a second flight carrying the remaining deportees is expected to depart on June 15, completing the repatriation operation.
Reiterating South Africa’s immigration requirements, the department urged all foreign nationals residing in the country to maintain valid visas or other legal authorisations and to regularise their status where necessary to avoid sanctions.
South African Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, said the government remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening the rule of law through more effective migration management.
According to the minister, deportations and repatriations conducted by the department have risen by 46 per cent over the past two years, reflecting intensified efforts to curb irregular migration and improve compliance with immigration regulations.
Schreiber also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising border management and identity verification systems. These include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation programme, wider deployment of Smart ID cards, and the development of a comprehensive Digital Identity platform.
While reaffirming the government’s resolve to enforce immigration laws, the minister cautioned members of the public against taking matters into their own hands or engaging in acts of violence against foreign nationals.
The repatriation exercise forms part of South Africa’s broader strategy to strengthen immigration enforcement and enhance migration management through technology-driven reforms under the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
