A first group of 262 Nigerians who were repatriated from South Africa amid an uptick in anti-immigrant protests and attacks in that country, arrived in Lagos on Thursday morning.
Anti-foreigner violence across the country has seen gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields marching in cities demanding that people with no residency papers leave by 30 June.
Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have left in the face of the threats.
Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five per cent of its population, but unemployment exceeds 30 per cent, fuelling anger toward migrant workers.
