South Africa’s long-standing appeal as a destination for African migrants is facing a stark reversal as xenophobic violence drives more foreign nationals out of the country, with another 67 Nigerians returning home.

The returnees arrived in Lagos via South African Airways at exactly 8:45pm on Wednesday and were received by officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

The latest arrival came less than a week after 83 Nigerians returned from South Africa, bringing the number of Nigerians who have arrived in the two reported batches to 150.

NEMA’s South-West coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the latest return was facilitated by good-spirited Nigerians who assisted the returnees with flight tickets and other forms of support.

The latest departures come amid a broader migrant exodus from South Africa. More than 176,000 people have left the country in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African countries that have repatriated their nationals.

South Africa has long been a magnet for migrants from across the continent, particularly those seeking jobs and business opportunities. But the country has experienced recurring outbreaks of anti-migrant violence for nearly two decades, with tensions intensifying this year.

Vigilante groups have also ordered undocumented foreigners to leave, adding to fears among migrant communities and contributing to the latest wave of departures.

At least four migrants have been killed in the violence, according to South African police, although some foreign governments say the death toll is higher.

The worsening situation is now becoming a broader diplomatic issue for African governments.

Ghana, which has strongly criticised the fatal attacks, has called for an African Union debate on the anti-migrant violence at the bloc’s next summit early next year.

Nigeria is also pushing for the issue to be placed on the AU agenda, amid recurring diplomatic tensions with South Africa over attacks on Nigerians living in the country.

The latest returnees therefore form part of a much bigger reversal in Africa’s migration story — as a country that once represented opportunity for thousands of migrants increasingly becomes a place some are choosing to leave because of insecurity and hostility toward foreigners.

With more migrants departing and regional governments demanding action, pressure is mounting on South Africa to address xenophobic violence before the crisis triggers further diplomatic tensions across the continent.