South Africa Deports More Than 53,000 Foreign Nationals
The South African government has announced that more than 53,000 undocumented foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since launching a nationwide migration management campaign five weeks ago.
Officials said the operation is one of the country’s largest immigration enforcement drives in recent years and is expected to continue as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal immigration.
According to the government, the majority of those deported or repatriated are citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Crackdown Follows Anti-Immigration Protests
The large-scale operation comes after weeks of anti-immigration demonstrations across South Africa, where protesters have demanded tighter border security and the mass deportation of undocumented migrants.
Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports of intimidation, looting, and attacks targeting foreign nationals and businesses believed to employ undocumented migrants.
Protesters argue that illegal immigration has contributed to rising unemployment, increased crime, and growing pressure on public services. Activist groups have vowed to continue weekly demonstrations until the government fully addresses their demands.
Many protesters had also set an unofficial 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, prompting thousands of foreign nationals to return to their home countries out of fear for their safety.
Government Says Deportations Will Continue
Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that 53,499 foreign nationals had already been processed for deportation or voluntary repatriation.
Kubayi said the deportations were dominated by nationals from Malawi, followed by Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
She stressed that the government is working to ensure migration is managed in an orderly manner while respecting the rights and dignity of everyone living in South Africa.
“We are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration which is mindful and sensitive to the concerns raised by our people, while observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship and immigration status,” Kubayi said.
Immigration Operation Leads to Criminal Arrests
The minister also revealed that the ongoing immigration operation has helped law enforcement identify and arrest individuals who were already wanted by police in connection with alleged criminal offences.
She said authorities will continue enforcing South Africa’s immigration laws but warned members of the public against conducting illegal searches of homes, businesses, or communities suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.
Government officials emphasized that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and not private citizens.
President Ramaphosa Condemns Violence Against Migrants
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged growing public concerns about illegal immigration but has repeatedly condemned attacks against foreign nationals.
He has urged South Africans not to take the law into their own hands and called for all immigration-related concerns to be addressed through lawful government processes.
Several African Countries Repatriate Citizens
The recent unrest has prompted several African governments to assist citizens wishing to leave South Africa.
Countries including Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya have organized evacuation and repatriation efforts in recent weeks to help nationals return home amid fears of further violence.
UN Warns Against Scapegoating Migrants
The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising anti-migrant sentiment, warning against blaming foreign nationals for South Africa’s economic and social challenges.
The UN has called on authorities to protect migrants from violence while ensuring that immigration laws are enforced in accordance with international human rights standards.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s largest economies and has long attracted migrants seeking employment and better living conditions, although many enter the country without the required documentation.
