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Despite renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, interest among Nigerians seeking to visit the country has remained strong, with visa applications almost doubling in recent months.
South Africa’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, disclosed this in an interview with Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, saying the development showed that South Africa remained an attractive destination for Nigerians despite concerns over safety.
Moroe dismissed reports that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians, describing such claims as untrue. He also reassured prospective travellers that the country remained open to Nigerians for tourism, business and other forms of visits.
“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,” Moroe added.
His comments come 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 reportedly faced violence.
The attacks, which have often been linked to allegations of competition for jobs and claims of criminality, have included the looting of businesses owned by foreigners, assaults and forced displacement, triggering concerns in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Federal Government had also facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,400 Nigerians who were stranded or feared for their safety in South Africa.
Despite the concerns, Moroe said the rise in visa applications indicated that Nigerians continued to view South Africa as a viable destination for travel.
The Consul-General, however, advised Nigerians planning to travel to the country to obtain the required visas before departure and comply with South Africa’s 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 urged Nigerian visitors to familiarise themselves with South African laws and understand their rights while also knowing where law enforcement agencies are located 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 Consul-General expressed confidence that visits between Nigeria and South Africa would continue to increase, stressing that South Africa valued its bilateral relationship with Nigeria.
