The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that three Nigerians who were stranded at an airport in South Africa have been cleared and have departed the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commission disclosed that the affected individuals are expected to arrive in Lagos on Monday morning.
While expressing relief over their safe return, NIDCOM linked the incident to deeper issues, particularly the over-reliance on unregulated visa agents. According to the Commission, such agents often collect applicants’ passport data pages and fill out critical sections of visa applications, such as purpose of visit, travel itinerary, accommodation, and ties to Nigeria, without the applicants’ full awareness or consent.
“This practice leaves many travelers unable to defend the information submitted on their behalf during immigration interviews, often resulting in refusal of entry,” the statement explained.
NIDCOM further revealed that one of the affected individuals had previously made insulting remarks about the South African government on social media, which reportedly placed him on a watchlist. When questioned at the port of entry, the individual was unable to justify or explain those statements, worsening the situation.
The Commission advised Nigerians intending to travel abroad to either apply for visas personally or use only licensed and verifiable agents. It stressed the importance of reviewing and approving every detail in visa applications before submission.
Travelers were also urged to ensure they can clearly explain and defend all submitted information during immigration checks. In addition, NIDCOM warned about the impact of digital footprints, noting that immigration authorities frequently conduct social media screenings.
“Derogatory or inflammatory posts about other countries or even one’s home country can trigger additional scrutiny or outright visa denial,” the statement noted.
The Commission also encouraged travelers to have legitimate, well-documented reasons for their trips and to carry all necessary supporting documents.
NIDCOM assured that it will continue engaging relevant authorities in South Africa to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We strongly urge all Nigerians planning international travel to exercise due diligence. Responsible preparation protects not only the individual but also Nigeria’s reputation,” the statement concluded.
What you should know
NIDCOM confirmed that three Nigerians stranded in South Africa have been cleared and are returning home.
The incident was linked to misinformation in visa applications and social media activity, highlighting the risks of using unverified agents and maintaining a negative digital footprint.
The Commission has issued key travel advisories, urging Nigerians to verify all application details, use licensed agents, and ensure they can defend their travel purpose during immigration checks.
This serves as a broader warning on the importance of careful preparation for international travel.
