Nigerian migrants returning from South Africa face the same economic issues they left behind
Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, reacts upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — When the flight carrying hundreds of Nigerians fleeing South Africa landed in Lagos last week, the first feeling of passenger Iniebong James was one of relief. Then came worry.
Nearly two weeks after his return to his homeland, James, 52, is trying to settle back into the life he left 10 years ago when he packed his suitcases and headed for South Africa on a six-month visitor’s visa. He overstayed his visa and, despite lacking permission to stay, built a life as a car mechanic in the country's Eastern Cape Province.
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