Fresh concerns over xenophobia have emerged in South Africa after authorities in Durban moved several Nigerians and other African nationals to a screening centre for immigration verification, sparking widespread reactions on social media and within migrant communities.

The operation, reportedly ordered by Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, comes amid mounting pressure from some local groups calling for stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals living in parts of the country.

According to local reports, those affected were taken to a designated verification facility where officials checked residency papers, permits and other immigration documents to determine their legal status in South Africa.

The development has triggered anxiety among many Africans residing in Durban, with several community members describing the exercise as another sign of growing hostility toward foreigners in the country.

Witnesses said officials conducted inspections in areas believed to have large populations of migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ethiopia and other African countries. Some residents reportedly watched in fear as groups of people were moved for documentation checks.

While South African authorities insist the exercise is part of routine immigration enforcement, critics argue that it reflects a deeper pattern of anti-foreigner sentiment that has repeatedly surfaced in the country over the years.

For many observers, the incident revives painful memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa, during which foreign nationals were targeted, displaced and, in some cases, killed during violent protests.

The situation quickly gained traction online after videos and reports from Durban circulated across social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions. While some South Africans defended the operation as necessary to address illegal immigration and crime concerns, others warned that such actions could heighten tensions and expose innocent migrants to harassment.

Several Nigerians living in South Africa also reacted emotionally online, saying many hardworking foreigners now live in constant fear of being profiled or unfairly treated because of their nationality.

Responding to the criticism, Mayor Xaba reportedly maintained that the verification exercise was aimed at identifying undocumented individuals and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.

Authorities further claimed that a significant number of those screened possessed valid documents.

However, migrant rights advocates insist that the optics of the operation could fuel public hostility toward foreigners, especially at a time when economic hardship and unemployment continue to dominate conversations in South Africa.

Analysts say frustration over rising living costs and job scarcity has increasingly pushed immigrants to the centre of political and public debate, with foreign nationals often blamed for the social and economic challenges facing local communities.

Nigeria’s diplomatic authorities had yet to issue a strong public statement on the development as of the time of filing this report. However, the situation is expected to attract attention from human rights groups and African diplomatic missions monitoring the treatment of migrants in South Africa.

The latest incident once again places the spotlight on the fragile relationship between South Africa and African migrants, many of whom moved to the country in search of better economic opportunities but now face growing uncertainty over their safety and acceptance.