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South African authorities have repatriated more than 25,000 foreign nationals in recent weeks as the country prepares for planned anti-immigrant protests, security officials said on Monday.
The repatriations come ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups, which have called on undocumented migrants to leave the country or face consequences.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which coordinates the activities of the police, military and intelligence agencies, said the repatriation exercise was ongoing and that specialised units, including K9 teams and the Air Wing, had been deployed to support operations.
“To date, more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated,” NATJOINTS said.
The latest figure marks a significant increase from last week, when authorities reported that about 15,000 Malawian nationals had been processed for return.
Ghana and Nigeria have also organised voluntary evacuation flights, with at least 988 Ghanaians returning home earlier this month.
Several countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have also arranged transport for their citizens following weeks of protests, looting and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Authorities said four people have died in incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner sentiment. According to police, the victims included two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian.
NATJOINTS also disclosed that at least 195 people have been arrested since March 1 for offences related to hostility against foreign nationals.
Security concerns have forced thousands of migrants to seek temporary shelter in makeshift camps in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg while awaiting transportation to their home countries.
South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent but continues to grapple with unemployment exceeding 30 per cent and recurring outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence. Analysts say foreign nationals are increasingly being blamed for broader economic and governance challenges.
