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South Africa’s Consul General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has dismissed reports that the country has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians.
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Moroe said the protests would not be used as a basis to discriminate against Nigerian travellers, stressing that a visa application could only be rejected where an applicant failed to meet the prescribed conditions.
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The clarification comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobia in South Africa, where anti-migrant protests and previous attacks on foreign nationals have repeatedly triggered anxiety in Nigeria and strained relations between the two countries.
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The South African mission also announced the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital travel system designed to make the authorisation process faster.
August 19, (THEWILL) — The South African Consulate in Lagos has dismissed reports that it has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians as anti-migrant protests intensify in parts of South Africa, insisting that Nigerians who meet the stipulated requirements will continue to be granted travel authorisation.
The South African Consul General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, clarified while speaking on the sidelines of a round-table discussion organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on the theme, “South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective.”
Moroe said the existence of anti-migrant protests in South Africa had not resulted in any policy to stop Nigerians from obtaining visas, adding that Nigerians continued to travel to the country for tourism, business and other legitimate purposes.
“Visas continue to be issued despite the ongoing protests and Nigerians are still visiting the country for tourism and other legitimate purposes,” he said.
The Consul General stressed that the South African mission would not discriminate against Nigerian applicants because of their nationality or the prevailing protests.
“We wish to make it clear again that Nigerians under these circumstances faced today will never be discriminated against,” Moroe said.
He maintained that visa applications would be considered on their individual merits and in accordance with established immigration requirements.
“No basis will justify why your visa is rejected except that you, for one reason or another, may not have qualified with the requirements of the visa,” he added.
Moroe also announced the recent introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), describing it as a digital system designed to simplify and accelerate travel authorisation for prospective visitors.
He said the new system would reduce documentation requirements and replace some aspects of the traditional visa application process.
Under the new arrangement, prospective travellers can apply through their mobile devices, a development he said would make the process faster, safer and more convenient.
The digital initiative is expected to reduce some of the administrative hurdles associated with travel authorisation while improving the efficiency of South Africa’s immigration processes.
Moroe urged prospective travellers to comply with the applicable requirements, stressing that adherence to the rules remained central to the approval of travel applications.
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The Consulate’s clarification comes against the backdrop of persistent xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced protests, hostility and attacks over allegations surrounding unemployment, crime and competition for economic opportunities.
Nigerians have been among the foreign nationals affected by previous episodes of xenophobic violence, making reports of any possible restriction on their entry into South Africa particularly sensitive in Nigeria.
Over the years, xenophobic attacks in South Africa have generated strong reactions from the Nigerian government and citizens, with diplomatic engagements repeatedly required to address concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living and doing business in the country.
The latest anti-migrant protests have consequently revived concerns about whether the hostility directed at foreigners could spill into South Africa’s immigration and visa administration.
Moroe’s intervention was aimed at drawing a clear line between domestic protests and the country’s official visa policy.
According to him, Nigerian travellers who meet the requirements should not be deterred by reports suggesting that South Africa has imposed a blanket restriction on their visas.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
