South Africa Deports More Than 53,000 Foreign Nationals Amid Immigration Crackdown

Government vows to continue migration campaign as anti-immigrant tensions rise

South Africa says it has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals in the five weeks since launching a major migration management campaign, one of the country’s biggest crackdowns on undocumented migrants in recent years.

Government officials said most of those processed for deportation or repatriation are from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with the number expected to increase as operations continue.

The campaign comes amid rising anti-immigration tensions and weeks of protests that have seen incidents of violence, intimidation and looting in several communities.

Protests fuel pressure on government

Anti-migrant groups have been demanding stricter border controls and mass deportations, accusing undocumented migrants of contributing to South Africa’s high unemployment, rising crime and pressure on public services.

Demonstrators had set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave the country, triggering an exodus of foreign nationals seeking to avoid violence and harassment.

Several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, have already organised flights and transport arrangements to help their citizens return home safely.

There are growing fears that weekly anti-immigration protests planned by activists could lead to further violence if tensions continue to escalate.

Government defends campaign

Speaking at a news conference in Pretoria, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation.

She stressed that the government aims to create an “orderly and regular migration” system while respecting the human rights and dignity of everyone living in South Africa, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Kubayi also revealed that the operations had led to the arrest of several individuals wanted by police for alleged criminal activities.

However, she warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands by carrying out unauthorised searches of homes and businesses suspected of harbouring undocumented migrants.

President condemns attacks on migrants

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns surrounding immigration but has strongly condemned violence and attacks targeting foreign nationals.

He has urged South Africans not to resort to vigilantism and insisted that immigration issues should be handled through legal processes.

The United Nations has also expressed concern over the situation, warning against blaming migrants for the country’s economic and social challenges.

Human rights organisations have cautioned that migrants are increasingly becoming scapegoats for problems such as unemployment and poor service delivery.

A nation facing growing migration pressures

As Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking better job opportunities and living conditions.

Many migrants enter legally, while others cross the borders without proper documentation in search of work and safety.

The latest deportation campaign highlights the growing political and social pressures facing the government as it attempts to address immigration concerns while balancing human rights obligations.

With anti-immigration protests continuing and deportations set to rise, South Africa’s migration crisis remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges.