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South Africa has repatriated 2,745 foreign nationals following a renewed government crackdown on illegal immigration after President Cyril Ramaphosa promised tougher enforcement measures, the country’s Home Affairs Minister said on Sunday.
The minister, Leon Schreiber, said the figures cover the period after the President’s announcement and reflect ongoing efforts to remove migrants without valid residency documents.
He noted that the number is still changing as operations continue across the country.
“As of last night, the number we can report is 2,745 repatriations that have come in this period since the president spoke. It is a moving target,” Schreiber said.
A government-backed migration committee said about 7,000 Malawians had been sheltering in an open field in Durban before evacuation efforts began.
On Sunday, eight buses sent by Malawi, supported by 10 additional buses from South African authorities, began transporting citizens home.
About 560 people, including roughly 200 children, were moved in the first phase of the operation, according to Malawi’s Consul General, Max Biwi.
President Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns over undocumented migration but warned against vigilante actions, saying law enforcement must handle immigration issues.
Tensions have also escalated following recent violence in the Western Cape, where Mozambican authorities say up to five nationals were killed after anti-immigration marches.
According to the statistics agency, more than three million foreigners live in South Africa, making up about 5.1 per cent of the population.
South Africa is one of Africa’s largest economies and has long attracted migrants from across the continent.
However, rising unemployment above 30 percent has fuelled periodic tensions and anti-immigration unrest.
In recent weeks, groups armed with sticks, whips, and shields have moved through several communities, ordering foreigners without legal documents to leave before June 30.
The unrest has led to growing security concerns and voluntary return programmes coordinated by several governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Authorities say most of those repatriated are in the country without legal status.
