![[Kenya] Digital credit provider Tala disbursed Sh240 billion in loans in eight years](https://theafricanbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TALA-APP-360x180.jpg "[Kenya] Digital credit provider Tala disbursed Sh240 billion in loans in eight years 19")
The last few weeks have seen a surge in anti-immigrant sentiments across South Africa, with several nationals calling for the removal of African migrants in the country.
The rally stems from the idea that Africans from other countries are stealing the jobs intended for the natives.
Another prevalent rationale fueling the movement resides in the allegation that African migrants are contributing to an increase in criminal activity within the nation.
These notions have led to violence against said African migrants by South Africans, which has resulted in an environment so hostile that many of them are opting to leave.
It was reported recently that Nigeria is preparing to repatriate its citizens in South Africa who are willing to return home voluntarily, as concerns grow over rising xenophobic attacks in the country.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on Sunday that approximately 130 Nigerians have already registered for the repatriation exercise, with more expected to follow.
“Nigerian lives and businesses must not continue to be put at risk,” the Nigerian minister stated.
Experts have also deduced that continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa could lead to a strained bilateral relationship between the two economic giants, a rift that is already evident between the citizens of both countries.
While the Nigerian government prepares to repatriate those interested in leaving the Southern African country, it has also demanded some closure for the lives lost to the senseless violence, as seen on Reuters.
“Nigeria seeks full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, and in facilitating access to legal processes for the families of the deceased,” Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
Last week, protesters staged demonstrations in Johannesburg and Pretoria, calling for stricter measures against illegal immigration, claiming that unauthorized foreigners were straining public services, employment, and security.
Foreigners are frequently blamed for South Africa’s economic issues, according to migrant rights organizations.
These demonstrations reportedly resulted in the fatalities of two Nigerian nationals, who were purportedly assaulted by security personnel.
