Xenophobia: All Nigerians can’t leave S’Africa – Union

The Nigerian Union in South Africa has declared that it is unfeasible for every Nigerian residing in the country to depart amid heightened protests against immigration. Smart Nwobi, President-General of the Nigerian Union of South Africa (NUSA), disclosed that numerous Nigerians have resided in South Africa for many years, establishing families and businesses there.

He stressed that xenophobic protests should not be perceived as exclusively impacting Nigerians, as migrants from various African nations are also affected. Nwobi emphasized that it was impossible for all Nigerians to leave South Africa, as some have lived there for decades, even before apartheid, and have established their lives here.

The unrest followed public outrage over a Constitutional Court ruling that removed certain restrictions on migrants who entered South Africa irregularly, lacked asylum transit visas, or missed reporting deadlines, allowing them to apply for asylum. The Nigerian government clarified that the ruling did not automatically grant refugee status or permanent residence, but it enabled affected individuals to have their claims assessed.

Nigerian evacuations in response to xenophobic attacks have been ongoing, with at least 2,500 individuals leaving as of July 15, 2026, according to the Federal Government.