By Joke Kujenya
COST OF return to Nigeria will be borne by citizens seeking voluntary repatriation from South Africa, with the government stating it will only facilitate and coordinate the process.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the position was disclosed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa on Monday during a press conference held after a closed-door meeting between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner Lesoli Machele.
Ebienfa said the arrangement is not state funded, describing the return as a voluntary decision dependent on the financial capacity of those involved.
“Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria. The government will not provide an aircraft from Nigeria to convey them,” he said.
He added that the pace of the process will be determined by the availability of funds and confirmed that 130 Nigerians had registered for return as at the time of the briefing, noting that actualisation would require each individual to secure a flight ticket.
The spokesperson stated that those expressing interest fall into two groups, including individuals concerned about threats to their safety and those fearing arrest by South African law enforcement agencies.
“Yes, 130 as of this morning have registered, but actualisation would be required to have their flight ticket to move back to Nigeria.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that there are two groups of Nigerians who want to come back.
One group feels the country is not safe for them and wants to come. They have all their papers intact.
“Then there is also the second group that has travel document violations or resident permit violations.
And instead of running away from law enforcement, they are appealing that the government facilitate their movement back to Nigeria,” he said.
Ebienfa noted that the process is still being worked out and stated that the government would provide aircraft or other assistance if tensions escalate and the situation becomes more volatile.
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