A total of 268 passengers have been flown out in the first of two scheduled repatriation flights, as authorities continue efforts to enforce immigration laws across the country.
Image: BMA
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has confirmed that 268 Nigerian nationals have been flown out of the country, with a second flight scheduled for next Monday to transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 processed for repatriation.
This comes amid ongoing protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
“The Department of Home Affairs confirms that it has processed 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in the Republic of South Africa illegally.”
Home Affairs spokesperson Thulani Mavuso, spokesperson said the first repatriation flight departed on the morning of June 11, 2026, carrying 268 passengers.
“All individuals processed for repatriation were issued with Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, enabling their exit from South Africa and return to Nigeria.”
“In accordance with the Immigration Act, all affected individuals have been declared undesirable persons and are consequently prohibited from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.”
Mavuso said the department wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance provided by the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation process.
“A second flight, which will transport the remaining individuals from the group of 586 processed for repatriation, is scheduled to depart on Monday, June 15, 2026.”
“The Department further reminds all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they are required to be in possession of valid visas or other authorisations that entitle them to remain in the Republic lawfully.”
He said foreign nationals must ensure that their immigration status remains compliant with South African immigration laws at all times and regularise their stay.
Home Affairs minister Dr Leon Schreiber said, “Home Affairs is irrevocably committed to enforcing South Africa's immigration laws and restoring the rule of law. Our ongoing orderly and lawful deportations and repatriations, which have increased by 46% over the past two years, is clear evidence of this.”
“Our reform agenda as recently affirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, including the ongoing scale-up of the Electronic Travel Authorisation to record biometrics for every foreigner entering our country, the replacement of the fraud-prone Green ID Book with Smart ID cards through our digital partnership with the banks, and the introduction of a cutting-edge Digital Identity system, are systematically enhancing our capacity to enforce immigration laws. In this context of ongoing progress, the public is again urged to never engage in violence or take the law into their own hands.”
The repatriations come amid growing protests in parts of the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where groups have targeted undocumented migrants.
Anti-migrant group March and March has called for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30.
The controversial movement has demanded tighter immigration enforcement and employer accountability.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on June 7, outlining measures to deal with undocumented migration.
These include intensified arrests and deportations, stricter border controls, reforms to immigration and labour laws, and increased cooperation with African countries to address the root causes of migration.
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