LAGOS AUGUST 11TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has disclosed that visa applications from Nigerians to South Africa have almost doubled, despite concerns over attacks on foreigners and safety in the country.
Moroe made the disclosure during an interview on Nigerian Info FM, monitored by SaharaReporters, while assuring Nigerians that South Africa remained open to visitors for tourism, business and other purposes.
The envoy said the significant rise in visa applications showed that many Nigerians still intended to travel to South Africa.
“I indicated during the beginning of the show that the number of visa applications have almost doubled,” Moroe said.
“So we are quite comfortable and we have no doubt that a lot of Nigerians who still want to visit South Africa for whatever reason can still go there.”
Moroe’s comments come amid concerns among some Nigerians over travelling to South Africa because of reports of attacks against African migrants, including Nigerians.
The Consul-General dismissed reports that South African missions in Nigeria had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians, describing such claims as untrue.
“It is also untrue to suggest that South African missions in Nigeria do not offer visas to Nigerians anymore,” he said.
“And I want to give assurance to Nigerians that it is safe to travel to South Africa.”
Moroe said South Africa remained open for business and tourism and urged Nigerians travelling to the country to obtain the necessary visas and comply with its immigration laws.
“I just want to give reassurance that South Africa is open for business, South Africa is open for tourism and South Africa is open for any other form of visit,” he said.
“It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that before you travel, you ensure that you have your visa, you comply with the immigration laws of the country, you become a good ambassador of your country.”
He also advised Nigerians visiting South Africa to familiarise themselves with their rights, the country’s laws and the locations of law enforcement agencies.
“When you get to South Africa, you know and understand your rights, but you must also familiarize yourself with the laws of the country,” Moroe said.
The diplomat further rejected the description of violent attacks against foreigners in South Africa as xenophobia, insisting that the country was not hostile to migrants.
“There’s no xenophobia in South Africa,” he said.
SaharaReporters
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