South African Home Affairs confirms the voluntary repatriation of hundreds of Nigerian nationals found to be living in the country without the required immigration status. Reporting across outlets says officials processed the repatriation of roughly 568 to 586 Nigerians in total, with the differences attributed to varying figures cited for the overall number being handled. One source states that authorities approved the voluntary repatriation of 568 Nigerians, while another reports 586 were processed, including 268 on an initial flight.
According to the accounts, the first group of 268 Nigerians departs on a flight, with departures taking place amid heightened public attention and protests related to undocumented foreign nationals. Government officials are quoted urging compliance with immigration laws and warning against unlawful behaviour during the crackdown.
The reports frame the removals as part of enforcement efforts by Home Affairs to address illegal residency, but they also indicate that the process involves voluntary repatriation and official processing rather than a single mass deportation event.
