South Africans raise eyebrow over Ramaphosa’s new visa rules for Nigerians

Criticism has trailed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new visa measure for Nigerians, with South Africans accusing their President of prioritising foreign interests over national concerns.

The new measures include five-year multiple-entry visas and the option for Nigerian tourists to apply for visas without submitting their passports.

The announcement was made during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, where President Bola Tinubu was also present.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment included simplifying the visa process for Nigerian business people travelling to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people were granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” Ramaphosa said at the event.

Although the initiative seeks to strengthen business and tourism connections, some South Africans have taken to social media to express their disapproval, criticizing President Ramaphosa for the decision.

@maggyvalen wrote, “This man hates South Africans,you cant tell me otherwise,he is now gaslighting us because he knows how we feel about Nigeria.”

@Packer_an noted, “Why Nigeria of all countries.”

@Lebona_cabonena said, “The whole of Nigeria is gonna come to South Africa.”

@nkulipp noted, “This president knows very well how we feel about Nigerians, but no, he wants to pass us off even more. Let’s start in 2026 let’s punish ANC.”

@Bongani_Wale wrote, “Yeah @CyrilRamaphosa is a traitor. If it’s not foreign shop owners then it’s Nigerians. Why would South Africa opt to ease visa rules with Nigeria whilst others countries are considering canceling them because of the delinquent behaviors of these people.”

“A 5-year visa deal? More like a 5-year disaster for South Africa. Ramaphosa is compromising our economy, safety, and sovereignty. Who gave him the right to gamble with our future for his personal benefit?.” @visse_ss noted,