Over 53,000 foreigners deported or repatriated, says Kubayi; SA not funding voluntary exits

South Africa has deported or voluntarily repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals in recent weeks as the government intensifies its migration enforcement efforts following anti-immigrant protests across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the government is implementing its five-point migration strategy, which aims to strengthen border security, curb illegal immigration, modernise the country’s immigration system, tighten legislation and enhance cooperation with neighbouring states.

The latest update comes in the wake of anti-immigrant protests that swept through Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape on 30 June, prompting countries including Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria to repatriate some of their citizens amid growing safety concerns.

“A total of 53 449 foreign nationals have been processed for either deportation or repatriation, which is dominated by the following; Malawians are actually at the point of 80%, followed by the Zimbabweans and Mozambicans,” the minister said.

“Repatriations to countries beyond SADC amounts to 2 650 and includes the returns to Kenya, with a total of 431, Nigerians – 1 159, Republic of Congo – 86, Uganda – 939. So those were done in terms of arranging their travel by their countries of origin.

“In addition to the immigration, the normal deportation process continued. So this is work that happens month to month. For the month of June, 2026 alone, we have a total of 4 898 that have been deported.

She said that authorities have opened 205 cases and arrested 350 people for migration-related offences, with 112 cases already before the courts. Kubayi warned communities against taking the law into their own hands by targeting suspected undocumented migrants.