The South African government has closed the Musina Temporary Processing Centre for Repatriation in Limpopo province after processing 48,948 foreign nationals since its establishment in June. According to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, 46,744 individuals — equivalent to 95.5% of the total — were identified as having crossed the border outside official ports of entry, while 2,204 (4.5%) had entered through designated border posts.
The majority of those processed held Malawian nationality, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals. The centre was established on 26 June 2026, adjacent to the Beitbridge border post, to address mounting migration pressure and facilitate the processing of undocumented migrants.
The facility's operational capacity was scaled back from 20,000 to approximately 1,500 people from 1 August, as the volume of arrivals declined. In the days preceding the closure, there were at times no individuals left to process.
The government also cited the cost of maintaining the temporary infrastructure as a factor in the decision to close, including expenditure on rented equipment, generator fuel, additional security, and staff mobilisation. Dismantling of the tents and other structures began on 21 August.
The closure of the centre does not, however, signal an end to deportations or repatriations. Migration enforcement and repatriation operations will continue under South African immigration legislation and the country's international commitments.
Undocumented migrants will not be automatically transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre. The disposition of each individual will be determined according to their specific circumstances, legal requirements, available capacity, and other operational factors.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee stated that it will continue to work with neighbouring countries, diplomatic missions, the International Organization for Migration, and humanitarian organisations to ensure safe and coordinated repatriations.
Authorities also urged communities not to assume migration enforcement roles, warning against illegal identity checks, intimidation, or forced removals. The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening border controls, combating human trafficking, and protecting the rights and dignity of migrants.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=535143
