JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The South African government has asked several African countries to reimburse the costs incurred in deporting and repatriating tens of thousands of their citizens amid growing tensions over illegal immigration.
South Africa says it has spent nearly $18 million accommodating and transporting migrants who were deported or voluntarily returned to their home countries.
The Department of Home Affairs told lawmakers that the expenses covered transportation, temporary repatriation centres, staff overtime and other costs associated with the large-scale movement of migrants.
South Africa Seeks Reimbursement From Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria
Officials said South Africa’s foreign ministry has sent formal requests for compensation to Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
Tommy Makhode, director-general of the Department of Home Affairs, described the costs as “unforeseen and unavoidable.”
Some municipalities and government departments involved in the repatriation process have also reportedly sought reimbursement from the Home Affairs Department because the expenses were not included in their original budgets.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has described the recent scale of deportations and repatriations as unprecedented.
More Than 80,000 Migrants Repatriated or Deported
According to the latest South African government figures, 82,875 people have either been voluntarily repatriated or deported since tensions surrounding immigration intensified.
However, figures released by some migrants’ home countries reportedly put the total number of departures at approximately 178,000.
The departures have taken place amid growing public anger over illegal immigration in South Africa.
Anti-illegal-immigration groups have staged protests, while attacks and violence involving foreign nationals have further strained relations between South Africa and other African countries.
Protesters have blamed migrants for contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, although these claims remain highly contested.
Deportations Increase as South Africa Tightens Immigration Crackdown
The South African government has continued to intensify its immigration enforcement operations.
Between April and July, authorities deported 16,078 people, mainly nationals from Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, through the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
Law enforcement officials have also announced plans to increase operations targeting illegal immigration and related offences.
Authorities said nearly 60,000 people living in South Africa illegally had been arrested, including 16,208 arrests in July alone.
Immigration Tensions Strain Relations Across Africa
The crackdown has also created diplomatic tensions between South Africa and several African governments.
Some countries have accused South Africa of failing to adequately protect their citizens from attacks and discrimination. The South African government has rejected such accusations.
Ghana recently pushed for the immigration situation in South Africa to be discussed at an upcoming African Union meeting. However, the continental body rejected the proposal to place the matter on its agenda.
The dispute highlights the growing political and economic challenges surrounding migration across Africa, particularly as countries struggle with unemployment, security concerns and pressure on public services.
South Africa’s request for reimbursement now adds a financial dimension to the wider immigration dispute, with affected governments expected to respond to Pretoria’s compensation demands.
