The South African government reports that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since the launch of a “migration management” campaign five weeks ago.
The majority originated from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, according to officials, and the figure is expected to increase as deportations proceed.
South Africa is executing one of its most extensive crackdowns on undocumented migrants in recent years, following weeks of anti-immigration protests characterized by violence, intimidation, and looting.
Protesters are calling for stricter border controls and mass deportations, accusing migrants of exacerbating high unemployment, rising crime rates, and the deterioration of public services.
The United Nations has cautioned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.
Anti-migrant activists have pledged to stage weekly protests to pressure the government until their demands are met, raising concerns that the demonstrations could turn violent.
The demonstrators had imposed an “unofficial deadline” of 30 June for all undocumented migrants to depart the country, prompting many foreigners to leave in order to evade violence and intimidation.
Several countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, have arranged flights to repatriate their citizens in recent weeks.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, a figure dominated by Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
‘We are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration that is mindful of and responsive to the concerns raised by our people, while upholding human rights and the dignity of all individuals in our country, regardless of citizenship or immigration status,’ Kubayi said at a news conference in Pretoria.
She noted that the repatriation and deportation process has aided in apprehending individuals wanted by police for alleged criminal activity.
Authorities intend to continue enforcing immigration laws, she added, but warned that protesters must not conduct unauthorized searches of homes and businesses believed to shelter undocumented migrants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration, while condemning attacks against migrants and urging citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
South Africa, the continent’s wealthiest nation, has long attracted migrants seeking better economic opportunities, some of whom enter the country without legal authorization.
