Nigeria will begin repatriating its citizens from South Africa this week, after anti-immigrant attacks and protests in the continent’s biggest economy.

The Nigerian government has scheduled the first flight from South Africa on Wednesday, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, said in a text message. More than 500 people have “been screened and cleared” for the flights, Ebienfa said.

South Africa has seen a surge in xenophobic protests in recent months, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation on Sunday and outline steps his administration plans to take to address the issue. About 60 people died and 50 000 were displaced in a spate of attacks directed against migrants in 2008, and fears are mounting of renewed and intensified violence.

Nigerian carrier Air Peace will manage the repatriation flights, with the first one transporting 270 passengers.

At least 1 094 Nigerians have indicated their interest in leaving South Africa, Reuters reported on June 5, citing the foreign ministry.

The South African ​authorities have agreed to waive penalties for visa violations ⁠such as overstays, though individuals facing criminal charges won’t be eligible to leave, the news agency said.

Separately, Ghana repatriated 654 of its citizens from South Africa at the weekend, the Border Management Authority said in a statement on Monday.