Pretoria: The Department of Home Affairs on Thursday confirmed that it has processed 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in South Africa illegally.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department stated that the first repatriation flight departed on Thursday morning, 11 June 2026, carrying 268 passengers. All individuals processed for repatriation were issued with Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, enabling their exit from South Africa and return to Nigeria. In accordance with the Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons and are consequently prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.
The department acknowledged the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process. Meanwhile, a second flight, which will transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 processed for repatriation, is scheduled to depart on Monday, 15 June 2026.
The department reminded all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they are required to be in possession of valid visas or other authorisations that entitle them to remain in the Republic lawfully. It emphasized that foreign nationals must ensure their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and should regularise their stay.
Home Affairs Minister, Dr. Leon Schreiber, stated that the department is committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. He highlighted that the increase in orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations by 46% over the past two years is evidence of this commitment.
Dr. Schreiber further explained the reform agenda as recently affirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which includes the ongoing scale-up of the Electronic Travel Authorisation to record biometrics for every foreigner entering the country, the replacement of the Green ID Book with Smart ID cards through a digital partnership with banks, and the introduction of a Digital Identity system, all enhancing the capacity to enforce immigration laws.
He urged the public to refrain from violence or taking the law into their own hands amidst the ongoing progress.