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Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
More than 25,000 foreign nationals have returned to their home countries in recent weeks as South Africa anti-immigrant protests approach, according to the country’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS).
The security body announced on Monday that the repatriation exercise remains ongoing as thousands of migrants continue to leave over fears of violence. The departures follow an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by citizen-led groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
Several governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have arranged voluntary evacuation flights and bus services after weeks of unrest, looting, and attacks targeting foreigners. Authorities confirmed that four people have died during the violence linked to the growing South Africa anti-immigrant protests.
“To date, more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated,” NATJOINTS said, adding that security agencies have deployed specialised units, including K9 teams and the Air Wing, to maintain order.
The latest figures show a significant increase from last week, when officials reported that 15,000 Malawian nationals had been processed. Earlier this month, at least 988 Ghanaians and around 600 Nigerians also returned home through organised evacuation flights.
Authorities said some anti-illegal immigration groups have continued to organise marches while supporting the June 30 deadline. Reports indicate that some groups have gone from house to house asking migrants to leave or demanding proof of legal residence.
The South Africa anti-immigrant protests have forced thousands of migrants into temporary camps in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, where many are waiting for transport back to their countries. Analysts argue that the unrest reflects broader economic and governance challenges rather than the presence of migrants. South Africa continues to struggle with unemployment above 30 per cent and has experienced several deadly outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence, including riots in 2008 that claimed 62 lives.
