South Africa has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals in the last five weeks as part of a sweeping “migration management” campaign, the government says.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed on Sunday that 53,499 people have been processed for removal. The majority came from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with officials saying the total is expected to climb.
The crackdown follows weeks of anti-immigration protests across the country. Demonstrators have called for stricter border controls and mass deportations, blaming undocumented migrants for unemployment, rising crime and pressure on public services. Some protests have included violence, intimidation and looting.
The UN has cautioned against blaming migrants for South Africa’s broader socioeconomic problems. Activist groups have threatened weekly protests until their demands are met, and set what they called an “unofficial deadline” of 30 June for undocumented migrants to leave. That pressure has already pushed many foreigners to leave voluntarily to avoid attacks.
Several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya, have also organized repatriation flights for their citizens in recent weeks.
Kubayi said the operation is aimed at “orderly and regular migration” while still respecting human rights. She added that the process has also helped police arrest people wanted for alleged crimes.
Authorities said they will keep enforcing immigration laws, but warned protesters against carrying out their own searches of homes and businesses suspected of housing undocumented migrants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public frustration over immigration but condemned attacks on migrants and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands.
South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, has long attracted migrants seeking work. Many enter the country illegally due to limited legal pathways.
