Published: 4 hours ago

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that 586 Nigerian nationals found to be residing in South Africa illegally have been declared undesirable persons and will be prohibited from re-entering the country for a period of five years.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the department said the affected individuals were processed for repatriation after authorities established that they were in the country without valid documentation authorising their stay.

Under the provisions of South Africa's Immigration Act, individuals declared undesirable are automatically barred from returning to the country for five years.

"The Department of Home Affairs confirms that it has processed 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in the Republic of South Africa illegally," the statement said.

The first group of 268 individuals departed South Africa on a repatriation flight on Thursday morning after being issued with Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission. The documents enabled their return to Nigeria.

Home Affairs said a second flight carrying the remaining individuals is scheduled to leave on Monday, completing the repatriation process.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the operation demonstrates government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening border management systems.

"Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws and restoring the rule of law," Schreiber said.

He noted that deportations and repatriations have increased significantly, with the department recording a 46 percent rise over the past two years.

The department said the repatriation exercise was conducted in cooperation with the Nigerian High Commission, which assisted in issuing the emergency travel documents required for the affected individuals to return home.

Home Affairs also reiterated that all foreign nationals residing in South Africa must possess valid visas or permits and comply fully with immigration regulations.

Schreiber highlighted several reforms aimed at improving immigration management, including the rollout of an electronic travel authorisation system, the development of a digital identity framework, and the planned replacement of the green barcoded identity document with smart ID cards.

The department warned that foreign nationals who fail to regularise their immigration status could face removal from the country and be declared undesirable.

At the same time, Home Affairs cautioned members of the public against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that law enforcement agencies must be allowed to carry out their duties within the framework of the law.

The operation forms part of broader government efforts to tackle illegal immigration and improve compliance with South Africa's immigration laws amid growing public concern over undocumented migration.

The development comes as several countries have introduced voluntary repatriation programmes for their citizens living illegally in South Africa. Nigeria becomes the third country to participate in such efforts, following similar initiatives by Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
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