South Africa has officially denied claims that it stopped issuing visas to Nigerians in response to recent anti-migrant protests in the country. The South African Department of Home Affairs clarified that visa services for Nigerians continue as normal, contrary to widespread reports suggesting otherwise.
Official Denial of Visa Suspension
According to a statement from the South African Department of Home Affairs, there has been no decision to suspend or halt visa issuance for Nigerian nationals. The department described the reports as "false and misleading," emphasizing that all visa categories, including tourist, business, and study visas, remain open for Nigerian applicants.
"The Department of Home Affairs has not stopped issuing visas to Nigerians. Visa services are fully operational, and applications are being processed as usual," the statement read. The clarification came after several Nigerian media outlets reported that South Africa had imposed a visa ban due to the anti-migrant protests that erupted in parts of the country.
Context of Anti-Migrant Protests
The protests, which took place in August 2026, involved groups demonstrating against the presence of foreign nationals in South Africa, blaming them for economic challenges and crime. The demonstrations led to tensions in some communities, with reports of attacks on foreign-owned businesses. However, the South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and assured foreign nationals of their safety.
"The government of South Africa remains committed to protecting all foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and ensuring their rights are upheld," the department added. The protests did not lead to any official policy changes regarding visa issuance, according to the statement.
Impact on Nigerian Travelers
Nigerian travelers and businesspeople have expressed relief at the clarification, as many had feared disruptions to travel plans. The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria had earlier urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and avoid areas where protests were occurring. The commission also advised Nigerian citizens to follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
Data from the South African Department of Home Affairs shows that Nigerians are among the top applicants for visas to South Africa, with thousands of applications processed annually for purposes ranging from tourism to business and education. The denial of a visa suspension is expected to reassure both travelers and businesses that rely on cross-border movement between the two countries.
