Mozambique has received 1,363 repatriated nationals from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, while at least 6,156 Malawian citizens have entered the country in transit after being affected by the same violence, the government announced on Tuesday, 7 July.
“Since the beginning of the xenophobic attacks, 1,363 Mozambican citizens have been repatriated. Between 1 and 4 July, 625 citizens arrived in the country. The government is working to ensure the continued employability of our compatriots and is conducting a survey of their professional skills,” said Council of Ministers spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa, speaking to journalists following a cabinet meeting in Maputo.
Of the total number of returnees, 809 declared a skilled profession. These include 363 bricklayers, 102 artisans, 87 painters, and 77 domestic workers, as well as electricians, carpenters, tilers, and plumbers, each of the latter groups comprising fewer than 20 individuals.
The government said it has launched a certification process for the repatriated citizens aimed at facilitating their professional reintegration, including potential placement abroad under labour mobility memoranda signed with countries such as Portugal and the United Arab Emirates.
President Daniel Chapo had indicated on 4 July that the government was considering integrating xenophobia victims into ongoing megaprojects in Mozambique and into employment opportunities abroad through international cooperation frameworks, as part of a broader response to the employment challenge.
The government spokesperson noted that the attacks had intensified across several South African provinces, manifesting in assaults and arson attacks on residences, looting, physical violence, intimidation, and the forced expulsion of foreign nationals from their communities.
Impissa also confirmed that at least 6,156 Malawian citizens had entered Mozambique in transit and had subsequently been transported to Tete province, in the centre of the country, on the border between Malawi and Mozambique.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to work with the Malawian Embassy in Mozambique to improve coordination of transport and assistance for Malawian citizens entering Mozambique in transit to their country,” he said.
The episodes of violence against foreign nationals prompted the government to reinforce consular assistance and repatriation operations for affected citizens, while maintaining oversight of the situation through its diplomatic and consular representations in South Africa.
Anti-immigration protesters in South Africa had issued an ultimatum demanding that all foreign nationals leave the country by 30 June. In response, the South African government announced tighter immigration policies and increased security deployments in recent days, as Mozambique continued to receive returning nationals.
President Chapo acknowledged on 1 July the worsening of xenophobia in South Africa following violent incidents involving Mozambican citizens, and assured that logistical conditions were in place to manage the repatriation and reception of victims.
At least 283 Mozambicans had their homes burned and property vandalised in the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the government confirmed on the same day, as authorities worked to secure assistance and facilitate repatriation.
Mozambique has an estimated 300,000 nationals residing in South Africa. The presidency indicated in a statement that many had already returned to the country in response to the violence.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/08/economia/desenvolvimento/xenofobia-na-africa-do-sul-governo-repatriou-1363-cidadaos-e-acolheu-6156-malauianos/
