Nigeria will begin evacuating its citizens from South Africa this week following anti-immigrant attacks and protests in Africa’s largest economy.

The Federal Government has scheduled the first evacuation flight for Wednesday.

This was disclosed in a text message by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, according to Reuters.

South Africa has experienced a surge in xenophobic protests in recent months, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation on Sunday and outline measures his administration plans to implement to curb the unrest.

In 2008, about 60 people were killed and 50,000 others displaced during a wave of attacks targeting migrants, raising fears of renewed and potentially intensified violence.

Meanwhile, Nigerian airline Air Peace will operate the repatriation flights, with the first aircraft expected to carry 270 passengers.

Ebienfa said more than 500 Nigerians have already been screened and cleared for the evacuation flights.

At least 1,094 Nigerians have indicated interest in leaving South Africa, Reuters reported on June 5, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

South African authorities have agreed to waive penalties for visa violations such as overstays, although individuals facing criminal charges will not be eligible to depart, the news agency added.

Separately, Ghana repatriated 654 of its citizens from South Africa over the weekend, according to a statement on Monday by the Border Management Authority.