A group of Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa have recounted what they described as years of xenophobia, harassment, extortion, discrimination and intimidation, urging fellow Nigerians still residing in the country to consider returning home.
Speaking after their arrival in Nigeria, the returnees expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and other individuals who facilitated their return, while describing their experiences in South Africa as increasingly difficult and unsafe.
One of the returnees, Chukwuemeka Chris Okeke, thanked the Nigerian government for supporting their return and said many Nigerians abroad were enduring severe hardship.
“There is no place like home. We are passing through a lot in South Africa. I really appreciate our President and everyone who supported our return. May God bless Nigerians,” he said.
Another returnee, Emmanuel Nwachukwu, alleged that hostility towards foreigners, particularly Nigerians, had escalated in some parts of South Africa. According to him, some groups had openly threatened violence against African migrants who refused to leave the country.
“They said they would start shooting those who do not want to go home,” he alleged.
Nwachukwu further claimed that Nigerians frequently face harassment from law enforcement and security agencies.
“Once they know you are a Nigerian, police and other security agencies will come to extort you. Day in and day out they are doing that,” he alleged.
Addressing concerns about the legal status of many Nigerians living in South Africa, Nwachukwu acknowledged that a significant number of migrants do not possess valid documentation. However, he argued that bureaucratic challenges often make it difficult for foreigners to regularize their immigration status.
“They accuse people of staying illegally, but many are unable to obtain or renew their documents. That leaves them vulnerable to constant harassment and extortion,” he claimed.
The returnee also alleged that some migrants encounter obstacles when attempting to leave South Africa voluntarily, claiming that immigration processes are often complicated for undocumented foreigners.
Nwachukwu disclosed that he had spent 10 years in South Africa, while another returnee interviewed alongside him had lived in the country for eight years.
Despite the difficulties they experienced abroad, the returnees encouraged Nigerians still residing in South Africa not to allow pride or fear of embarrassment prevent them from returning home.
“There are many Nigerians who don’t want to come back because of shame. Some have spent years there without financial success. I told my friends to forget the shame and come home. There is no place like home,” he said.
The returnees also called on Nigerians to work collectively toward national development and improving opportunities within the country.
Their accounts come amid recurring concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence and tensions have drawn criticism from governments, civil society groups and human rights organizations across Africa.
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