The Consul-General of South Africa in Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has revealed that interest among Nigerians in travelling to South Africa remains strong, with visa applications to the country reportedly almost doubling in recent months.
Moroe made the disclosure during an interview on Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, as concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa continue to generate public debate.
The diplomat dismissed reports suggesting that South Africa had become unsafe or hostile to Nigerian visitors, insisting that the country remains open to tourism, business and other legitimate forms of travel.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over sporadic attacks targeting African migrants in parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, where tensions involving foreigners have occasionally resulted in violence, attacks on businesses and displacement.
The development has also attracted attention in Nigeria, particularly following the Federal Government’s recent facilitation of the repatriation of more than 1,400 Nigerians who reportedly felt unsafe or stranded in South Africa.
‘We Have Not Stopped Issuing Visas’ – Envoy
Addressing reports circulating on social media that South African diplomatic missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas, Moroe dismissed the claims as false.
According to him, the continued increase in visa applications demonstrates that South Africa remains an attractive destination for Nigerians despite concerns surrounding xenophobic attacks.
Moroe said: “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.
“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.”*
The envoy urged Nigerians planning to visit South Africa to obtain the appropriate visas before travelling and ensure they comply with the country’s immigration regulations.
He said: “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.”
Moroe further advised Nigerians visiting South Africa to familiarise themselves with the country’s laws and understand their rights and responsibilities while there.
Advise To Visitors
He also encouraged visitors to identify nearby police stations and other law enforcement facilities in case they encounter emergencies during their stay.
You May Like: EU Denies Rejecting INEC Invitation To Monitor 2027 Elections
He said: “When you get to South Africa, you know and understand your rights, but you must also familiarise yourself with the laws of the country.
“You choose places that you want to visit… and ensure that you are also familiar with the location of law enforcement agencies, just in case something happens.”
The Consul-General maintained that Nigeria and South Africa continued to enjoy important diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.
He expressed optimism that despite occasional tensions and concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa, movement between both countries would continue to increase.
Moroe’s comments come at a time when the two countries are facing renewed conversations over migration, xenophobia and the safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, even as thousands of Nigerians continue to travel to the country for business, tourism, education and other purposes.