South Africa deports over 53,000 foreigners amid protest pressure

South Africa has expelled more than 53,000 foreign nationals since launching a significant operation against undocumented migrants. This initiative, one of the largest of its kind in recent years, has seen the majority of deportees originating from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, according to officials. The numbers are expected to rise as the process continues.

The government initiated what it calls a "migration management program" five weeks ago. This program was spurred by weeks of anti-immigration protests where demonstrators demanded stricter border controls and mass deportations. Protesters blame migrants for South Africa's high unemployment, rising crime rates, and deteriorating public services. They also set an informal deadline of June 30 for all undocumented migrants to leave the country.

"We are striving for orderly and regular migration that takes into account and is sensitive to the concerns of our people, while at the same time respecting the human rights and dignity of all people in our country, regardless of their nationality or immigration status," stated Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. She added that the repatriation and deportation process has also helped authorities track down individuals wanted by police for alleged criminal offenses. Kubayi stressed that authorities will continue enforcing immigration laws but warned against protesters conducting unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of harboring undocumented migrants.

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concerns about immigration but condemned attacks on migrants. He urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands. South Africa, possessing the continent's most developed economy, has long attracted migrants seeking better opportunities, some of whom enter the country illegally.

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We are striving for orderly and regular migration that takes into account and is sensitive to the concerns of our people, while at the same time respecting the human rights and dignity of all people in our country, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.