ABUJA, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government has finalized arrangements to evacuate the first batch of its citizens from South Africa following reports of attacks on foreign nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry, said that the evacuees will depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and are expected to arrive in Lagos early Thursday. The exact number of people in the first batch was not disclosed.

Ebienfa said the Nigerian government will fully fund the evacuation, with no cost to the returnees. Relevant ministries, departments and agencies have also made arrangements to receive and support the evacuees upon arrival.

"Upon arrival, the evacuees will undergo documentation and profiling and will receive necessary assistance before being reunited with their families," he said.

South Africa has recently witnessed a wave of anti-immigration demonstrations, with organizers citing high domestic unemployment, rising crime rates and pressure on public infrastructure as primary concerns.

Some anti-immigration groups have set June 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country and threatened nationwide protests if their demands are not met.

The situation has raised concerns across Africa, with several countries reportedly expressing their concerns to the South African government through diplomatic channels. ■