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, prompting reactions on social media and within migrant communities.
The operation, reportedly ordered by Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, comes amid growing calls by some local groups for stricter measures against undocumented foreign nationals in parts of the country.
According to local reports, those affected were taken to a verification facility where officials examined residency papers, permits and other immigration documents to determine their legal status.
The development has sparked anxiety among many African migrants living in Durban, with some community members describing the exercise as another sign of increasing hostility toward foreigners in South Africa.
Witnesses said officials carried out inspections in areas known 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 taken away for documentation checks.
South African authorities, however, said the exercise was part of routine immigration enforcement.
Critics argued that the operation reflected a broader pattern of anti-foreigner sentiment that has surfaced repeatedly in the country over the years.
The incident has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa, during which foreign nationals were targeted, displaced and, in some cases, killed during violent unrest.
Videos and reports from Durban quickly circulated on social media, 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 increase tensions and expose innocent migrants to harassment.
Several Nigerians living in South Africa also expressed concerns online, saying many hardworking foreigners now live in fear of being profiled or unfairly treated because of their nationality.
Responding to the criticism, Xaba reportedly said the verification exercise was aimed at identifying undocumented individuals and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
Authorities also stated that many of those screened possessed valid documents.
Migrant rights advocates, however, warned that the manner of the operation could fuel hostility toward foreigners, especially as economic hardship and unemployment remain major concerns in South Africa.
Analysts said frustration over rising living costs and job scarcity has increasingly placed immigrants at the centre of political and public debates, with foreign nationals often blamed for economic and social challenges facing local communities.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian diplomatic authorities had not issued an official statement on the development.
The incident is expected to attract attention from human rights groups and African diplomatic missions monitoring the treatment of migrants in South Africa.
The latest development again highlights the strained relationship between South Africa and African migrants, many of whom moved to the country seeking better economic opportunities but now face uncertainty over their safety and acceptance.
