Despite renewed xenophobic tensions targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living and doing business in South Africa, interest among Nigerians seeking to travel to the country appears to be moving in the opposite direction, with South African authorities reporting that visa applications from Nigerians have almost doubled in recent months.
The development comes amid renewed anti-immigrant protests and attacks in parts of South Africa, with foreign nationals accused by some groups of competing with South Africans for jobs and economic opportunities. The tensions have affected Nigerian-owned businesses and raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
Nigeria has responded by calling on South African authorities to strengthen the protection of its citizens, while the Federal Government says it has evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and related security concerns.
Yet, despite these developments, the South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, says interest among Nigerians seeking to visit the country has increased significantly.
Speaking during an interview with Nigeria Info FM, Moroe said:
“I indicated during the beginning of the show that the number of visa applications have almost doubled.”
The disclosure presents a striking contrast: while some Nigerians are leaving South Africa because of safety concerns, more Nigerians are still seeking permission to travel there.
Moroe also dismissed reports that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians.
“It is also untrue to suggest that South African missions in Nigeria do not offer visas to Nigerians anymore.”
He reassured prospective visitors that the country remains open to Nigerians for tourism, business and other legitimate purposes.
“South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism and South Africa is open for any other form of visit.”
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Why Are Nigerians Still Interested?
The increase raises an obvious question: why are Nigerians still choosing South Africa despite the recent tensions?
For many, the reasons extend beyond employment. South Africa remains one of Africa’s major economic and commercial centres, attracting Nigerians involved in business, investment, tourism, education, professional engagements and family visits.
Its established tourism industry, major cities, entertainment sector and commercial opportunities also continue to make the country attractive to international visitors.
Existing business and social networks between Nigerians and South Africans may be another factor. Years of economic and people-to-people connections have created relationships that are unlikely to disappear because of a period of heightened tension.
Moroe urged Nigerians planning to travel to comply with immigration requirements and understand South African laws.
“It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that before you travel, you ensure that you have your visa, you comply with the immigration laws of the country.”
The reported increase in visa applications does not erase the concerns surrounding xenophobia. South Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment and a difficult debate over migration and competition for jobs, while Nigeria continues to demand better protection for its citizens.
But the rising visa applications suggest that despite the fears and diplomatic concerns, South Africa’s economic, tourism and social appeal to Nigerians remains strong.
For both countries, the challenge is how to preserve these longstanding ties while addressing unemployment, migration and xenophobia without allowing economic frustrations to turn into hostility against other Africans.
