South Africa Repatriates 586 Nigerians Living Illegally

A second flight is expected to depart on 15 June 2026 to transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 who have been processed for removal.

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that 586 Nigerian nationals have been processed for repatriation after being found to be residing in the country without legal immigration status. The first repatriation flight departed on the morning of 11 June 2026, carrying 268 individuals back to Nigeria. Authorities said all those processed for deportation were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, allowing them to leave South Africa and return to their home country.

Under the provisions of South Africa's Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons. This means they will not be allowed to re-enter South Africa for a period of five years. The department also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation and assistance throughout the documentation and repatriation process.

Second Flight Scheduled to Complete Repatriation Process

A second flight is expected to depart on 15 June 2026 to transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 who have been processed for removal.

The Department of Home Affairs used the opportunity to remind foreign nationals living in South Africa that they must hold valid visas or other legal authorisations permitting them to remain in the country. Officials urged all foreign residents to ensure their immigration status complies with South African law and to take steps to regularise their stay when necessary. The department stressed that maintaining lawful immigration status remains the responsibility of every foreign national residing in the country.

Government Highlights Stronger Immigration Enforcement

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening the rule of law across the country. According to Schreiber, deportations and repatriations have increased by 46 percent over the past two years, reflecting a more active approach to immigration enforcement.

The minister also pointed to several reforms designed to improve border management and identity verification. These include the continued expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which records biometric information of foreign visitors entering South Africa, as well as efforts to replace the Green ID Book with Smart ID cards through partnerships with the banking sector.

Schreiber said the planned introduction of a modern Digital Identity system would further improve the government's ability to verify identities and enforce immigration regulations.

While highlighting these enforcement measures, he urged members of the public not to resort to violence or take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that immigration matters must be handled through lawful and orderly processes.