South Africa Deports Over 53,000 Foreign Nationals in Migration Crackdown

The South African government has announced the deportation of more than 53,000 foreign nationals as part of a five-week migration management campaign.

• Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation, most of them from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
• Kubayi said the campaign aims to achieve orderly migration while respecting human rights, and that it has helped detain individuals wanted for criminal activity.
• The United Nations warned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about immigration but condemned attacks against migrants.

Latest developments

Following anti-immigrant protests on June 30, South Africa intensified its deportation campaign, beginning construction of a second temporary deportation center to accelerate the return of Malawian citizens, while an existing center in Durban houses thousands awaiting repatriation. Civil society groups have warned about the unlawful targeting of foreigners during inspections.