The Department of Home Affairs has announced that 586 Nigerian nationals have been processed for deportation after being found to be residing illegally in South Africa. The first repatriation flight departed on the morning of 11 June 2026, carrying 268 passengers.
“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 wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process,” said the department.
A subsequent flight will transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 Nigerian nationals who were processed for repatriation after being found to be residing in the country without the necessary legal documentation.
This follows the departure of the first repatriation flight on 11 June 2026, which carried 268 passengers.
The department reiterated that all foreign nationals living in South Africa are required to possess valid visas or other authorisations permitting them to remain in the country lawfully.
“Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46% over the past two years, are clear evidence of this,” added the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber.
Photo: Sourced
