South African authorities have processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or voluntary repatriation since launching a nationwide migration enforcement campaign five weeks ago.
The majority are citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with the total expected to rise as immigration operations continue across the country.
The campaign represents one of South Africa’s largest crackdowns on undocumented migration in recent years and follows weeks of anti-migrant demonstrations, intimidation, looting and threats of violence.
Protesters have demanded stricter border controls and the mass removal of undocumented migrants, blaming foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
However, the United Nations and human rights organisations have warned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s deep-rooted economic and social problems.
Crackdown follows anti-migrant mobilisation
Anti-migrant groups have threatened to hold weekly demonstrations until the government meets their demands.
Activists had previously imposed an unofficial 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, prompting many foreign nationals to depart amid fears of attacks and intimidation.
Several African governments, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, have arranged flights to repatriate citizens in recent weeks.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation or repatriation.
Government figures show that Malawians accounted for the largest number, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
Authorities say the campaign is intended to promote regulated migration while respecting the rights and dignity of foreign nationals, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
Officials also said the process had helped identify individuals wanted by police in connection with alleged criminal offences.
Immigration enforcement operations are expected to continue, but the government has warned activists against carrying out illegal searches of homes and businesses suspected of accommodating undocumented migrants.
Government warns against vigilantism
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns over immigration and border control but has condemned attacks on migrants and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
The government faces growing pressure to demonstrate that it is enforcing immigration laws while preventing xenophobic violence and collective punishment against African migrants.
South Africa has repeatedly experienced deadly outbreaks of anti-migrant violence, fuelled by unemployment, poverty, inequality and political rhetoric portraying foreigners as responsible for failures in housing, healthcare and public services.
Migrants have also faced organised campaigns targeting foreign-owned businesses, informal traders and communities accused of harbouring undocumented residents.
South Africa remains one of the continent’s largest economies and has long attracted migrants seeking employment, safety and better economic opportunities.
While some enter or remain in the country without valid documentation, rights groups argue that migration enforcement must not be used to legitimise xenophobia, mob intimidation or attacks against vulnerable communities.
The latest deportation figures underline the scale of the government’s response, but concerns remain that intensified enforcement could embolden anti-migrant movements seeking to impose their demands through threats and street mobilisation.
