The South African Consulate in Lagos has denied reports that the country has suspended visa issuance to Nigerians following ongoing anti-migrant protests in parts of South Africa.

South Africa’s Consul General in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe, dismissed the reports while speaking on the sidelines of a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs on xenophobia in South Africa.

Moroe said Nigerians who meet the country’s visa requirements would continue to receive visas despite the ongoing protests.

He noted that Nigerian tourists and other legitimate travellers were still visiting South Africa, stressing that the current situation would not lead to discrimination against Nigerian applicants.

“Visas continue to be issued in spite of the ongoing protests, and Nigerians are still visiting the country for tourism and other legitimate purposes,” he said.

The Consul General explained that visa applications would only be rejected when applicants fail to meet the stipulated requirements.

“We wish to make it clear again that Nigerians under these circumstances faced today will never be discriminated against,” Moroe stated.

He added that there would be no justification for rejecting a Nigerian’s visa application except where the applicant failed to provide the required documents or satisfy the relevant conditions.

Moroe also disclosed that South Africa had introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as part of measures to modernise its travel authorisation system.

According to him, the digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork and simplify parts of the visa application process.

He said prospective travellers would be able to apply through their mobile devices, making the process more convenient, secure and efficient.