In brief
In the fifth week of its “migration management” campaign, the South African government reports that 53,499 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated, mainly from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The crackdown follows a wave of anti‑immigration protests—some violent—whose demonstrators called for tighter border controls and mass deportations. While officials claim the operation helps target individuals sought by police for alleged crimes, critics warn that the drive risks turning migrants into scapegoats for broader socioeconomic woes. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned attacks on migrants, urging citizens to respect the law.
South Africa Says More Than 53,000 Foreigners Deported in Migration Campaign
The South African government reports that 53,499 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation in the last five weeks of a new migration strategy.
Most of those removed were from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, officials say, although numbers are expected to rise as enforcement continues.
The campaign follows weeks of anti‑immigration demonstrations that have seen violence, intimidation, and looting, as protestors demand tighter border controls and mass deportations.
Lawmakers in Pretoria note that the rapid expulsions have helped police target individuals wanted for alleged criminal activity.
The United Nations cautions that using migrants as scapegoats for socioeconomic issues risks human‑rights violations.
Anti‑migrant activists threaten weekly protests, warning that unrest could turn violent if demands are not met. They set an unofficial deadline of 30 June for all undocumented migrants to leave.
Several neighboring countries—including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya—have flown their citizens home in recent weeks to shield them from the heightened tensions.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised that the government aims to achieve orderly and humane migration while observing the dignity of all persons, regardless of status.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about immigration but warned against taking the law into citizens’ hands, condemning attacks on migrants.
South Africa, the continent’s wealthiest country, has long attracted those seeking better opportunities, though some enter illegally. The situation remains tense as the government tightens enforcement and the public debates the future of migration policy.
