A growing wave of hostility toward migrants in South Africa has pushed thousands of African immigrants to leave the country, following incidents of violence directed at foreign nationals.
The violence has come amid months of rallies and public demonstrations organised by anti-immigration groups, which have issued a June 30 ultimatum demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa and calling on the government to respond to what they claim is a worsening immigration problem in Africa’s biggest economy.
The groups warned that they would stage a nationwide shutdown if their demands were not met.
South African authorities have heightened security measures, according to the police minister, as anti-immigration groups prepare to hold more large-scale demonstrations on the deadline date.
At the same time, thousands of migrants have moved into temporary shelters, gathered near embassies, and sought refuge in other locations out of fear of further violence. Some countries have started bringing their citizens home while accusing South Africa of allowing an environment marked by xenophobic hostility.
