Nigerian migrants returning from South Africa face same economic struggles
8 reported
Nigerians repatriated from South Africa following anti-migrant marches and reported attacks are struggling to settle back into life in Nigeria, according to a report by The Associated Press. Passenger Iniebong James, 52, returned to Lagos on a flight last week after living in South Africa for 10 years on an expired visa, where he worked as a car mechanic. He was attacked by anti-immigrant protesters in May, leaving him with a head wound. James said he is happy to be home but worried about finding a job in an economy he described as much worse than when he left. Another returnee, Omotola Adeniyi, who moved to South Africa at age 8, said she could not find a job or attend university there because employers would not hire foreigners. The Nigerian government announced a repatriation flight last month and brought back its first group of nationals on June 11. Experts noted that despite the attacks, South Africa remains a destination of choice for many African migrants due to its more advanced economy.
What’s reported
Iniebong James, 52, returned to Lagos last week after 10 years in South Africa on an expired visa.
James was attacked by anti-immigrant protesters in May, sustaining a head wound.
James said he had to bribe community police officers 200 rands ($12.14) a week to operate his shop; the AP could not verify this claim.
Omotola Adeniyi moved to South Africa at age 8 in 2015 and could not find a job or attend university after high school.
The first group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrived on June 11.
Nigeria’s government said returnees will receive assistance before being reunited with families; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to questions about long-term plans.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, delivered a statement to returnees via representatives.
Experts say South Africa remains a destination of choice for most African migrants due to its more advanced economy.
Key figures
Iniebong James, Nigerian migrant repatriated from South Africa
Omotola Adeniyi, Nigerian migrant repatriated from South Africa
Margaret Monyani, founder of OLAM Africa Research Institute
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sources: abcnews.com
