Stranded in Johannesburg: Three Nigerians Detained and Deported – NIDCOM Responds
I and three other Nigerians were held at Johannesburg airport despite having valid visas and complete paperwork. One phone was seized all day, and we were denied contact with anyone. When we asked to book a flight home, officials refused and threatened to detain us indefinitely. In an official statement, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) confirmed that the three nationals have since been cleared and will arrive in Lagos tomorrow. NIDCOM raised concerns about unregulated visa agents who often fill out application details without travellers’ full knowledge, leaving applicants unable to defend their purpose of visit during immigration interviews. NIDCOM noted that one individual’s previous online comments about the South African government placed him on a watchlist. His inability to substantiate those remarks worsened the refusal decision. The commission advises all Nigerian travellers to use only licensed visa agents, review and approve every application detail, maintain a positive digital footprint, and carry genuine supporting documents. NIDCOM will continue working with the Nigerian High Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prevent similar cases.
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