The South African government announced on Monday that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since the launch, five weeks ago, of a sweeping ‘migration management’ campaign.
Authorities said the majority of those deported originate from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and that the figure is expected to continue rising as deportation and repatriation procedures advance.
South Africa is conducting one of its largest operations against irregular immigration in recent years, following several weeks of anti-immigration protests marked by episodes of violence, intimidation and looting.
Demonstrators have demanded tighter border controls and mass deportations, accusing migrants of contributing to the country’s high unemployment, rising crime rates and the deterioration of public services.
The United Nations has cautioned, however, that migrants risk being scapegoated for the socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa.
Anti-immigration groups have threatened to hold weekly protests to pressure the government until their demands are met, amid fears that demonstrations could turn increasingly violent.
Protesters had set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for all undocumented migrants to leave the country, prompting many foreigners to depart South Africa to escape violence and intimidation.
Several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, organised repatriation flights for their citizens in recent weeks.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation, ‘predominantly Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.’
‘We are committed to ensuring orderly and regular migration, taking into account the concerns raised by our population, while respecting the human rights and dignity of all people living in our country, regardless of their citizenship or migration status,’ Kubayi said at a press conference in Pretoria.
The minister added that the repatriation and deportation process had also enabled authorities to locate individuals wanted by police on suspicion of involvement in criminal activities.
Authorities pledged to continue enforcing immigration legislation, but warned protesters against conducting unauthorised searches of residences or commercial premises suspected of harbouring undocumented migrants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns over immigration but condemned attacks against migrants and called on citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
South Africa is the continent’s most industrialised economy and has for decades attracted migrants seeking better economic opportunities, with some entering the country through irregular channels.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/14/mundo/africa/africa-do-sul-governo-deportou-mais-de-53-mil-estrangeiros/
