By Benson Daniel
The South African Consulate in Lagos has dismissed reports that it has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians because of ongoing anti-migrant protests in the country, assuring that eligible Nigerian applicants will continue to receive travel authorisation.
The Consul General of South Africa to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, said visas were still being processed for Nigerians who met the required conditions, stressing that the protests had not resulted in any discriminatory visa policy.
Moroe made the clarification during a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, where discussions focused on xenophobia and the broader implications of anti-migrant sentiments in South Africa.
He said Nigerians seeking to travel to South Africa for tourism and other legitimate purposes continued to receive visas, provided they satisfied the established requirements.
The clarification comes amid heightened concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa following a series of anti-immigration protests and incidents involving migrants.
Moroe stressed that the protests had no bearing on the assessment of Nigerian visa applications, noting that applicants would only be refused when they failed to meet the applicable requirements.
He said South African authorities would not discriminate against Nigerians because of the current situation, adding that the country’s visa process remained governed by established rules.
The South African government has faced increasing pressure over the treatment of migrants as protests against irregular immigration have spread across parts of the country. Authorities have maintained that concerns over illegal immigration should be addressed through lawful processes and have condemned violence, looting and attacks targeting people based on nationality.
The issue has also placed additional strain on relations between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly following reports of attacks and intimidation involving Nigerian nationals living and conducting businesses in South Africa.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously expressed concern over the safety of its citizens in the country and called for the protection of Nigerians who are legally resident there.
Despite the tensions, Moroe said South Africa remained open to Nigerian visitors and encouraged eligible travellers to continue using the appropriate channels when applying for visas.
He also announced the introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which is designed to simplify the travel authorisation process and reduce some of the documentation involved in travelling to the country.
The digital system is expected to make applications more accessible by allowing prospective travellers to complete aspects of the process using their mobile devices.
The development is expected to ease concerns among Nigerian travellers who may have been uncertain about whether the anti-migrant protests had affected South Africa’s visa policy.
For businesses, tourism operators and individuals with travel plans, the clarification provides greater certainty that legitimate travel between Nigeria and South Africa remains possible.
However, the continuing protests mean that travellers are expected to remain conscious of developments in affected areas and comply with immigration and security requirements.
The South African Consulate’s position also underscores the distinction between the country’s immigration enforcement measures and its treatment of legitimate foreign visitors.
As both countries continue diplomatic engagement over the treatment of migrants, the assurance that Nigerians who meet visa requirements will not be discriminated against could help ease some of the tensions surrounding travel between the two nations.
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