South Africa has begun the repatriation of 586 Nigerians found to be residing in the country illegally, with the first batch of 258 returnees arriving in Lagos on Thursday amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the department disclosed that the first repatriation flight departed on the morning of June 11, 2026, carrying 268 Nigerians back to their country.
The remaining individuals are expected to leave South Africa on a second flight scheduled for June 15.
The statement read, “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 first repatriation flight departed on the morning of 11 June 2026, carrying 268 passengers.
