More than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated by the South African government since it launched its migration management campaign five weeks ago.
Government officials said the majority of those deported were citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, adding that the figure is expected to increase as the repatriation and deportation exercise continues.
The operation forms part of one of South Africa’s most extensive campaigns against undocumented migrants in recent years, following weeks of anti-immigration demonstrations that have been marked by violence, intimidation, and incidents of looting.
Protesters are demanding stricter border security and the large-scale deportation of undocumented migrants, alleging that they are responsible for increasing unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
The United Nations has cautioned against holding migrants responsible for South Africa’s socio-economic problems.
Anti-migrant campaigners have vowed to hold weekly demonstrations until the authorities meet their demands, raising concerns that the protests could become violent.
The demonstrators had imposed an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave the country, prompting many foreign nationals to depart in an effort to avoid violence and intimidation.
In recent weeks, countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya have arranged flights to evacuate their citizens from South Africa.
South Africa’s Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation, noting that Malawians accounted for the largest number, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
“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 told a news conference in Pretoria.
Kubayi said the deportation and repatriation exercise had also led to the arrest of individuals wanted by police over alleged criminal offences.
She added that authorities would continue enforcing the country’s immigration laws, while warning protesters against carrying out unauthorised searches of homes or businesses suspected of harbouring undocumented migrants.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised growing public concern over immigration but condemned attacks targeting migrants, urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
As Africa’s largest economy, South Africa has for years attracted migrants seeking better economic prospects, with some entering the country through irregular routes.
