Without statistical evidence, envoy claims more Nigerians applying for South Africa visas

Despite renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, the country’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, says visa applications by Nigerians have almost doubled in recent months.

Moroe made the claim during an interview with Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, saying the reported increase demonstrated that South Africa remained an attractive destination for Nigerians despite concerns over the safety of foreigners.

However, the envoy did not provide statistical data or figures to substantiate the claim.

Moroe also dismissed reports that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians, describing the reports as false.

“I just want to give reassurance that South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism, and South Africa is open for any other form of visit. And it is also untrue to suggest that South African missions in Nigeria do not offer visas to Nigerians anymore,” he said.

“But I can assure you and the listeners, that it is safe to travel to South Africa. I indicated during the beginning of the show that the number of visa applications have almost doubled,” he added.

His comments came amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, particularly Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, where Nigerians and other African migrants have faced attacks, intimidation and displacement.

Xenophobic violence in the country has often been fuelled by allegations that foreign nationals are taking jobs from South Africans and claims linking migrants to criminal activities. Incidents have included attacks on migrants, looting of foreign-owned businesses and forced displacement.

The situation has also raised concerns in Nigeria, with the Federal Government previously facilitating the evacuation of more than 1,400 Nigerians who were stranded or feared for their safety in South Africa.

Despite the concerns, Moroe said Nigerians continued to view South Africa as a viable destination for tourism, business and other forms of travel.

The Consul-General urged Nigerians intending to visit the country to obtain the appropriate visas before travelling and comply with South African immigration 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, you become a good ambassador of your country,” he said.

Moroe further advised Nigerian visitors to familiarise themselves with South African laws and understand their rights, while also identifying the locations of law enforcement agencies in case of emergencies.

“When you get to South Africa, you know and understand your rights, but you must also familiarise yourself with the laws of the country,” he said.

“You choose places that you want to visit… and ensure that you also are familiar with the location of law enforcement agencies, just in case something happens,” he added.

The envoy expressed confidence that travel and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and South Africa would continue to grow, stressing the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between the two countries.