South Africa Denies Stopping Visas for Nigerians Amid Anti-migrant Tension

The South African Consulate in Lagos has denied claims that Nigerians are being blocked from obtaining visas because of anti-migrant protests in South Africa. ‎ ‎

Professor Bobby Moroe, the Consul General, said visa applications are still being processed and that Nigerians continue to travel to South Africa for tourism and other legitimate purposes. ‎ ‎

According to him, the only reason a visa can be rejected is failure to meet the standard requirements, not the protests or any nationality-based restriction. ‎ ‎

Moroe made the remarks at a round-table organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, themed South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective. ‎ ‎

He also announced the introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which he said is meant to simplify the travel process and reduce documentation requirements for prospective visitors. ‎ ‎

The system allows travellers to apply through mobile devices and is part of South Africa’s wider digital border management push. ‎ ‎

The clarification comes against the backdrop of lingering tensions between Nigeria and South Africa following xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests in South Africa. ‎ ‎

Nigeria recently evacuated about 1,490 citizens from South Africa after the unrest, while officials in Abuja and Pretoria have been trying to ease diplomatic friction over the violence. ‎ ‎

The Nigerian government has condemned the attacks and the killings of Nigerian nationals, warning that relations could worsen if the violence continues. ‎ ‎

That atmosphere fuelled speculation that South Africa might retaliate through visa restrictions, but the Consulate’s latest position appears aimed at calming such fears.