The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) says it is partnering with Lawyers for Human Rights to address the numerous challenges encountered by Nigerians in that country.
The union, in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr Habib Miller, e-mailed from Johannesburg, said on Tuesday that after an extensive meeting with the lawyers’ group on March 10, 2022, both parties agreed to work together to uplift Nigerians in South Africa.
Miller said the meeting at the Lawyers for Human Rights headquarters in Johannesburg on Thursday, deliberated extensively on the challenges relating mainly to children of Nigerians in South Africa.
Such problems, he said, included birth certificates for children of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa and proper birth registration.
“It also includes issues regarding challenges experienced by Nigerian children at schools, hospitals, and other social service outlets due to lack of birth certificate.
“Citizenship for children born in South Africa who are above 18 years of age, issues regarding the denial of birth certificate to children born of Nigerian parents based on the immigration status of the parents.
“Capacity building for NUSA leaders by Lawyers for Human Rights and the provincial response for any official that denies any child of Nigerian parentage any right ascribed in the constitution.
“Processes of applying for Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) for children whose parents are holders of Permanent Residence Permit,’’ Miller said.
He disclosed that a structure that would look into such matters and the training of NUSA leaders had been formed and that the members would meet from time to time as the need arises to submit reports to NUSA leadership.
“We call on Nigerians who are struggling with such issues and have not contacted NUSA to do so for proper guidance.’’
