IMMIGRATION
THE Federal Government on Friday evacuated another 268 Nigerians from South Africa as it sustained efforts to bring home citizens affected by ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation was carried out on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a special charter flight operated by Air Peace departing Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, at 5:36 a.m.
According to the ministry, the aircraft is expected to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 10:40 a.m.
The ministry said the latest batch comprises 268 returnees, alongside two officers and crew members on board the flight.
It noted that the evacuation exercise would continue beyond the June 30 deadline earlier issued by anti-migrant groups and vigilantes in South Africa.
The ministry recalled that three earlier batches, comprising almost 600 Nigerians, had been successfully evacuated before the deadline.
It added that relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would receive the returnees on arrival for documentation, profiling and other necessary procedures.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safely repatriating all Nigerian nationals in South Africa who voluntarily registered for evacuation and had been duly screened and cleared.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the protection of Nigerians abroad remained a priority and a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It added that the government remained committed to safeguarding the dignity, welfare and security of its citizens wherever they reside.
F.O
Tags: Repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa