South Africa has processed multiple groups of foreign nationals for return to their countries of origin in recent days, with the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority overseeing operations linked to overstays and undocumented status.
Image: DOCTOR NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
More than 2,400 foreign nationals have been repatriated from South Africa in coordinated operations involving Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique, as part of voluntary return and removal processes ahead of a June 30 deadline calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
This comes amid growing protests in the country targeting undocumented immigrants.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirmed that 268 Nigerian nationals left South Africa on Wednesday night on a voluntary flight arranged in coordination with the Nigerian consulate.
Officials said the group formed part of an ongoing process involving embassies and South African authorities.
“Nothing happened along the way, so it is confirmed that we have 270 on their first flight back to Nigeria. Of the 270, two of them are officials, so we have about 268 Nigerians that are repatriated,” said DHA’s head of immigration enforcement, Stephen van Neel.
He said the process begins when embassies submit names for verification against immigration systems, followed by interviews and status checks.
“In cases where we find that this person is maybe an asylum applicant … we obviously do not allow it,” the department said.
Officials said more Nigerians are expected to depart, with at least 1,000 confirmed for voluntary return in coming weeks.
Repatriation operations involving hundreds of foreign nationals have been carried out across South Africa, as government agencies coordinate with foreign missions amid protests and heightened scrutiny of undocumented migration.
Image: BMA
Mozambique repatriation (June 3 and June 7)
On June 3, the Border Management Authority (BMA) processed 933 Mozambican nationals for return through the Lebombo Port of Entry.
Of those, 926 ultimately departed for Mozambique after coordinated screening involving multiple government agencies and Mozambican authorities.
Seven were not permitted to leave due to documentation or status issues.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the operation included biometric checks and immigration verification in line with South African law.
“The BMA remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring compliance with immigration legislation,” he said.
A further 168 Mozambican nationals were processed on June 7, with 141 identified as undocumented and deported.
The group also included minors processed with social services.
One South African citizen was refused departure after failing to meet travel requirements.
Hundreds of foreign nationals have left South Africa in a series of coordinated repatriations and voluntary returns involving Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique, as authorities step up immigration enforcement ahead of rising tensions over undocumented migration.
Image: BMA
Ghana repatriations (June 6–7)
On June 6 and 7, the BMA facilitated the return of 663 Ghanaian nationals through OR Tambo International Airport.
On Saturday, 332 Ghanaian nationals were processed, including travellers using ordinary passports and Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission.
Officials said 321 were found to have overstayed their legal stay and were declared undesirable under South Africa’s Immigration Act.
Nine passengers were offloaded, including two adults who were medically unfit to travel.
On Sunday, a further 331 Ghanaian nationals were processed.
Authorities said 170 travellers in that group had overstayed by 30 days or more.
At the conclusion of processing, 340 passengers boarded a chartered flight to Ghana, including individuals from the Lindela Holding Facility.
More than 2,400 foreign nationals have been repatriated from South Africa in coordinated operations involving Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique amid rising protests targeting illegal foreign nationals.
Image: Supplied/BMA
Additional Ghana operation
In a separate operation over the same period, the BMA also confirmed the processing of another 300 Ghanaian nationals at OR Tambo International Airport, coordinated with the Ghanaian High Commission.
Most of those processed were found to be undocumented or in breach of visa conditions, with Emergency Travel Certificates issued to facilitate return.
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.
At least 2,400 foreign nationals have left South Africa through voluntary and enforced repatriation programmes in recent days, with the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) working with foreign missions to process departures.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, June 7, where he outlined 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.
Meanwhile, authorities say all repatriations have been conducted through voluntary or legally mandated processes in coordination with foreign missions and in line with South African immigration law.
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