Immigration hurdles delay arrival of 327 Nigerians from South Africa

The return of Nigerians trapped in xenophobic attacks in South
Africa has been delayed for over five hours on account of
Immigration hurdles posed by South African government, Chairman
Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri – Erewa , has
disclosed.

Speaking in an interview at the cargo wing of the Lagos
International airport, she said the Air Peace aircraft detailed to
airlift 317 passengers on the manifest of the inaugural flight was
delayed on the ground by South African authorities.

The South African authorities, she disclosed, brought new
immigration rules before the affected Nigerians could be allowed to
board the aircraft.

She said the 2.00 pm scheduled time for the aircraft to arrive
Lagos was no longer tenable due to logistic and other diplomatic
hurdles posed by South African government.

She stated the 317 Nigerians were getting ready to board the
aircraft about 12.40 pm.

On arrival, she said the federal government will carry out
profiling of the returnees and keep an open line of communication
with them for about two months for reintegration.

She said some stipends in the form of transport fare will be
given to them to get to their respective states of origin.

Mrs. Dabiri- Erewa said government has mobilised the Bank of
Industry to work out several skills acquisition and other social
intervention programmes for returnees who are interested.

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