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Five African countries have begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa following renewed fears of xenophobic attacks, anti-immigration protests, and rising tensions targeting foreign communities in parts of the country.
The evacuations come as multiple governments respond to reports of violence, intimidation, and growing unrest affecting migrant communities in South Africa.
Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria have all taken steps to repatriate citizens or prepare evacuation plans, while authorities in South Africa have announced new measures to address illegal migration and public concerns.
Zimbabwe Repatriates 74 Nationals
Zimbabwe has confirmed the evacuation of 74 citizens from South Africa following rising concerns over anti-immigration protests and reports of intimidation. The government said the citizens left South Africa on Saturday and arrived on Sunday, June 7 and Monday, June 8, being transported by road through the Beitbridge border post.
Officials said some families, including those with young children, had fled parts of the Western Cape for safety during growing unrest.
Malawi Brings Home 150 Citizens
Malawi has repatriated 150 nationals from South Africa under a voluntary return programme. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation disclosed a statement via X, saying that the group was transported by bus and arrived in Malawi on Monday, June 8.
Press Release. pic.twitter.com/oFxuoMAWbs
— Min.Foreign Affairs (@ForeignMalawi) June 7, 2026
Authorities said the evacuees were among foreign nationals living in temporary camps in the Western Cape following recent violence and reported door-to-door intimidation, including incidents linked to the deaths of two Mozambican nationals.
According to the Lilongwe statement, the 150 Malawians are among a number of foreign nationals who sought refuge in temporary camps in Mossel Bay.
Ghana Evacuates Nearly 1,000 Citizens
Ghana has carried out large-scale evacuations, repatriating nearly 300 citizens in late May with a flight from Johannesburg and an additional 680 over the weekend.
This brings the total number of repatriated citizens to almost 1,000 returnees landing in Accra.
Ghana Foreign Ministry said the exercise was funded through a contingency budget and that returnees were being screened and registered upon arrival in Accra.
Also, the ministry said it is considering legal steps to seek compensation for citizens who allegedly lost their property or businesses destroyed during the unrest in South Africa.
The Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said, “They will ensure reintegration with dignity, medical and psychosocial support, pursue compensation for those that left their properties and businesses behind, secure jobs for people that can work and intensify efforts towards achieving the Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African dream of genuine African integration”.
However, on Saturday, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused his Ghanaian counterpart, saying they are spreading misinformation about xenophobia in South Africa.
Mozambique Repatriates Over 500 Nationals
Mozambique has confirmed the return of more than 500 citizens from South Africa, with further evacuations expected.
Officials said many of those repatriated had been staying in community shelters in the Western Cape after fleeing violence, including the deaths of two Mozambican nationals in Mossel Bay.
The government has alleged that around 800 Mozambicans were affected by xenophobic incidents, though South African authorities say investigations are ongoing.
Nigeria Postpones Evacuation Flight
Nigeria postponed its first planned evacuation on Monday for about 270 citizens, rescheduling the operation to 10 June due to logistical challenges.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said they “reschedule the flight for Wednesday, 10 June due to unforeseen logistical considerations”.
The aircraft was expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening with about 270 passengers. The delay was due to authorities finalising operational arrangements for the repatriation exercise, Ebienfa added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said more than 500 Nigerians had been screened and cleared for return, with President Bola Tinubu approving five evacuation flights in total.
However, over 200 repatriated Nigerians arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport on Thursday.
On Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures to address illegal migration and rising tensions, including stricter enforcement against employers hiring undocumented migrants and faster deportation processes.
The government also plans expanded biometric registration for all residents and has urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands amid ongoing protests and unrest.
