South Africa Repatriates 25,000 ahead of Anti-immigrant Deadline

South African authorities say more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated in recent weeks as security agencies intensify operations ahead of planned anti-immigration protests.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) announced the figure on Monday, saying the operation is being supported by specialised police units, including K9 teams and the Air Wing.

The repatriations follow growing concerns among undocumented migrants after anti-illegal immigration groups issued an unofficial June 30 deadline calling on foreigners without legal status to leave the country.

Several African governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have organised voluntary flights and road transport to assist citizens returning home after weeks of demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.

The latest figure marks a significant increase from the previous week, when authorities reported that about 15,000 Malawians had been processed for repatriation. Earlier this month, nearly 1,000 Ghanaians and about 600 Nigerians also returned on chartered flights.

Police said four people have died during the unrest. The victims were identified as two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian.

Thousands of migrants have gathered at temporary shelters in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg while awaiting transportation to their home countries as security concerns persist.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence over the years, with high unemployment frequently cited as a contributing factor. Authorities have not said when the ongoing repatriation operation will end.

SOURCE: AFP