A new group of 65 Nigerian nationals is expected to return home from South Africa on Wednesday, August 26, as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of citizens amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 65 returnees, whose travel is being funded by private individuals, are scheduled to leave O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 3:30 p.m. local time aboard a South African Airways flight. They are expected to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at around 8:45 p.m. the same day.

The latest return comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. Nigerians have previously been among those affected by anti-foreigner violence and growing hostility toward migrants.

The 65 returnees follow a group of 83 Nigerians who arrived in Lagos on August 19, also through a privately sponsored repatriation effort.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry has previously said that 1,490 Nigerians had been evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and concerns over their safety. The latest returns are part of broader efforts to assist Nigerians who wish to leave the country.

The situation has also placed renewed attention on South Africa’s immigration debate, with tensions surrounding undocumented migrants and foreign nationals continuing to fuel protests and political pressure.

Nigerian authorities have continued to monitor developments in South Africa and coordinate assistance for citizens seeking to return home. The government has not indicated whether the 65 Nigerians scheduled to arrive on Wednesday will be the final group to be repatriated.