Foreign nationals brace for uncertainty as 30 June ultimatum looms

Undocumented foreign nationals across South Africa say they are living in fear and uncertainty after anti-immigrant groups set an informal 30 June ultimatum for people without documentation to leave the country. The deadline has prompted some migrants to plan to stay indoors, close shops and lie low while community groups and authorities prepare for the day.

People report fear and precautionary moves

In Durban and Gauteng, migrants and business owners described heightened anxiety and precautionary behaviour ahead of the planned demonstrations. One Nigerian business owner in Durban said he would close his shop and stay indoors on 30 June. He told reporters that although anti-illegal immigration protesters had asked them to close, they had not been attacked in the city and he believed many South Africans were not xenophobic.

Another shop owner from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Durban said he planned not to open because “the threat is too much” and expressed hope that the police would be able to contain the situation.

A woman from Malawi based in Kaalfontein near Midrand said she and her husband would remain indoors and contact their embassy if the situation deteriorated.

Community groups warn of displacement and strain

The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) said it was deeply concerned about the government’s response to the ultimatum and warned that alarm and anxiety among foreigners were not being matched by state urgency. The ADF highlighted reports of threats, attacks and people fleeing those threats and said this was creating warning signs of a developing humanitarian situation in Durban.

The ADF spokesman urged restraint, rejected vigilantism and said immigration enforcement should be conducted by the state through lawful processes rather than community mobilisations that risk violence, displacement, looting and loss of life.

Government and police responses

President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed the 30 June deadline as not government policy and called for lawful enforcement of immigration laws. Fact-checkers and government spokespeople reiterated that there is no official eviction order.

The South African Police Service and other police formations have prepared operations for the period and warned they would act against violence and unrest around planned marches. Authorities have said they will use the full might of the law to prevent and respond to violent incidents.

Reports of incidents across provinces

Tensions and isolated incidents including threats, relocations and clashes have been reported in multiple provinces, increasing anxiety among foreign communities. In Pietermaritzburg, displaced women and children from Malawi were photographed boarding a bus after leaving homes amid fears of attacks and threats.

Calls for lawful, coordinated action

Community groups and civil society reiterated that, while countries can enforce immigration laws, such enforcement must be coordinated by the state and follow lawful procedures. They warned that community-led mobilisations risked worsening the situation for vulnerable people.

“We are already witnessing what appears to be a developing humanitarian crisis in Durban… These are warning signs that should not be ignored,” said an ADF spokesperson, urging restraint and lawful action.

As 30 June approaches, many foreign nationals say they will stay indoors and monitor developments closely, placing their trust in state security forces to prevent violence and maintain order.