The decision by the South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa to introduce a simplified five-year visa process for Nigerians has led to increased calls for his resignation by citizens of the country.

He revealed this initiative at the 11th session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, South on Tuesday, December 3.

Critics are demanding the reversal of the decision, accusing the government of putting foreign relations ahead of domestic issues.

They accused Ramaphosa of “selling” the country to Nigeria on the strength of a part of the deal that allows that category of Nigerians to apply for a visa with only a copy of their passport during visa application processes and the original document submitted later.

They have taken to social media complaining about how Nigerians were flooding the country allegedly with the intention of destroying it.

The backlash includes an open letter to the president and extensive online criticism.

In response to the backlash, the presidency explained that the initiative is part of a wider effort to modernize and simplify visa application procedures worldwide.

Ramaphosa said, “Our efforts to create a favourable environment include introducing a simplified visa process for Nigerian business people.

“Those who qualify can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”

He also mentioned that Nigerian nationals would no longer be required to present a passport when applying for a visa.

Also, the National Secretary of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula yesterday slammed the critics, saying their attack was aimed at the President and smacked of intentional misinterpretation.

Mbalula told reporters in Johannesburg that there was a misunderstanding as the new deal did not imply that Nigerians could travel to South Africa without a passport.

“We make it abundantly clear: South Africa is not a playground for lawlessness.

“The relaxation of visa requirements does not equate to entry without passports. There has been a clear distortion of the President’s words.”

He said South Africa remains committed to maintaining law and order while fostering improved trade relations with Nigeria.

The announcement comes amid strained relations between Nigerians and South Africans, frequently seen in heated social media debates.

Critics warn that the relaxed visa policy could worsen the current social and economic issues in South Africa.

Despite the criticism, the government insists that the policy is a strategy to reinforce bilateral relations and boost economic cooperation between the two nations.