The Federal Government has prolonged the screening and verification exercise for Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, pushing the deadline to June 10, 2026, as authorities work to process all eligible applicants.
The extension was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the decision was based on ongoing efforts to complete the assessment of Nigerian citizens who have expressed a desire to return home under the government’s evacuation programme.
According to the ministry, the update was conveyed by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria.
The latest development comes barely a day after officials indicated that the screening exercise had been concluded. The process, which began on Thursday, is being coordinated by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in partnership with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, immigration authorities and the South African Police.
Government officials explained that the exercise is intended to determine the exact number of Nigerians eligible for evacuation before final flight arrangements are completed.
Providing an update on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the verification process would continue for an additional four days.
He said, “I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals that have indicated interest to be evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026.”
Ebienfa disclosed that hundreds of Nigerians have already completed the screening requirements and received clearance for evacuation.
“So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he stated.
The ministry also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved multiple flights to facilitate the return of affected Nigerians, with indigenous airline Air Peace selected to handle the operation.
According to him, “Mr President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace, and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft.”
Officials said the evacuation initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s response to the renewed wave of xenophobic violence directed at African migrants in South Africa.
The exercise is expected to pave the way for the phased return of Nigerians who have opted to leave the country amid growing concerns over their safety and wellbeing.
With the extension now in effect, authorities hope to capture additional applicants and ensure that all eligible Nigerians are properly documented before the commencement of the airlift operations.
(Ripples)
