ABUJA — Visa applications by Nigerians seeking to travel to South Africa have almost doubled in recent months despite concerns over xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants, South Africa’s Consul-General in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has said.
Moroe disclosed this in an interview on Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, while dismissing reports that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians.
The Consul-General said South Africa remained open to Nigerian travellers for tourism, business and other purposes, while assuring prospective visitors that the country was safe to travel to.
“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,” Moroe said.
He added that reports suggesting South African missions in Nigeria no longer issued visas to Nigerians were untrue.
“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 said.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Nigerians and other African migrants reportedly affected by pockets of violence in parts of the country.
The attacks have included assaults, looting of foreign-owned businesses and forced displacement, with perpetrators sometimes citing competition for jobs and allegations of criminality.
The violence has also triggered concern among Nigerian authorities and citizens, with the Federal Government previously facilitating the repatriation of more than 1,400 Nigerians who were stranded or feared for their safety in South Africa.
Envoy urges Nigerians to follow immigration rules
Despite the security concerns, Moroe urged Nigerians travelling to South Africa to obtain the appropriate visas before departure and comply with the country’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.
The Consul-General also advised Nigerians to familiarise themselves with South African laws and understand their rights while in the country.
He urged travellers to identify law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities in the areas they intend to visit 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,” Moroe said.
He added that travellers should carefully choose the places they visit and know where to seek assistance if problems arise.
Moroe expressed confidence that movement between Nigeria and South Africa would continue to increase, stressing the importance of the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
