Nigeria has begun flying its citizens out of South Africa after weeks of mounting threats and sporadic attacks on African migrants, in a sign of how quickly hostility towards foreign workers is reshaping one of the continent's biggest economies.
Nigerian officials say hundreds of people have now registered to leave, with the first evacuation flight carrying more than 260 returnees arriving in Lagos from Johannesburg. Many of those on board had lived in South Africa for years, but said new ultimatums from anti-migrant campaigners, combined with fear of further violence, left them feeling they had no choice but to go.
Several African governments have raised concerns in recent months about organised groups in South Africa demanding that "undocumented" migrants leave the country by set deadlines. Human rights organisations have documented cases of harassment, assaults and arson attacks they link to the campaigns, although South African authorities have not confirmed an overall death toll for recent incidents.
Returnees arriving in Lagos spoke of businesses destroyed and constant intimidation on public transport and in working-class neighbourhoods. One long‑term resident described being attacked in a taxi and fleeing without his belongings after being told that foreigners were no longer welcome. Parents said they were leaving primarily for their children's safety, even if it meant abandoning jobs and community ties built over decades.
Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency has been tasked with receiving the evacuees and transporting them onwards to states across the country. Officials say small cash payments and mobile phone credit are being provided to help people make immediate arrangements, though many families face uncertain futures and no clear job prospects on their return.
South Africa's post-apartheid economy has long drawn workers and entrepreneurs from elsewhere in Africa, who filled gaps in sectors from retail and hospitality to construction. But with unemployment now above 30%, political debate around migration has sharpened and local campaigners have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, fuelling crime and undermining public services.
Civil society groups and regional bodies have warned that unless governments tackle both xenophobic rhetoric and the underlying economic pressures, more countries may feel compelled to organise emergency flights for their nationals. Analysts say the growing backlash also threatens South Africa's image as a continental hub and could complicate its diplomatic relationships at a time when cooperation is needed on trade, energy and security.
A senior Nigerian official was quoted by BBC News as saying the priority was to bring citizens home safely while continuing to press South Africa to protect migrants who choose to stay. Rights advocates argue that without stronger legal safeguards, those remaining could become even more vulnerable once international attention moves on.
