Africa-Press – South-Africa. The government of South Africa reported the deportation or return of over 53,000 foreign nationals to their home countries since the launch of the “Migration Management” campaign five weeks ago.
Officials clarified that most of those deported are from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, and the number is likely to rise as deportations continue. South Africa is conducting one of its largest crackdowns on illegal immigrants in years, following weeks of anti-immigration protests that have seen violence, intimidation, and looting.
Protesters are demanding stricter border controls and mass deportations, accusing immigrants of contributing to rising unemployment, crime rates, and the collapse of public services.
The United Nations has warned against using immigrants as scapegoats for the social and economic challenges facing South Africa. Anti-immigration activists have threatened to organize weekly protests to pressure the government to meet their demands, raising concerns that these protests could escalate into violence.
Protesters have set an informal deadline of June 30 for all illegal immigrants to leave the country, prompting many foreigners to flee to escape violence and intimidation. Several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, have repatriated their citizens in recent weeks.
On Sunday, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, announced that the deportation process for 53,499 foreigners had been completed, “most of whom are Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.”
Kubayi stated at a press conference in Pretoria: “We strive to achieve organized and regulated migration that addresses the concerns of our people while respecting the human rights and dignity of all residents of our country, regardless of their nationality or legal status.”
She added that the deportation and repatriation process has helped apprehend individuals wanted by the police on criminal charges, and stated that authorities will continue to enforce immigration laws, but warned protesters against conducting unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of harboring illegal immigrants.
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, acknowledged public concerns regarding immigration but condemned attacks on immigrants, warning citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
South Africa is the richest country on the continent and has long attracted migrants seeking better economic opportunities, some of whom enter the country illegally.
