Government apologises for Nigeria deportations

The South African government has apologised to Nigeria for deporting 125 Nigerian nationals accused of allegedly trying to enter the country with fake yellow fever certificates, according to a report in News 24. This comes after authorities in Nigeria, in apparent retaliation, denied entry to 56 South Africans at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, according to reports in The Nation on March 7.

The article further said that the Nigerian government might also review the status of South Africans living in Nigeria.

According to the News 24 report, the SA government has also unveiled new immigration procedures in an attempt to end the diplomatic row between the two countries. The authorities have also agreed to reopen an airport clinic that would allow travellers to receive yellow fever vaccinations on arrival in South Africa. A foreign ministry official's consent would be required before immigration authorities were able to turn away large groups of travellers. 

“We are aware that the South African and Nigerian governments are in dialogue over this matter and we await a positive outcome and an amicable resolution of the issues at hand,” said Dileseng Koetle, SAA Acting Head Group Corporate Affairs.
SAA has issued reminders to passengers through travel agents alerting them to make sure that all their documents are up to date.

Arik Air announced the temporary suspension of its flights to Johannesburg last week but has since reinstated them.