South Africa repatriates over 25,000 ahead of anti-immigrant ultimatum

Thousands of foreign nationals are leaving South Africa as citizen-led groups have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to depart. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) reported that over 25,000 people have been repatriated in recent weeks, with many more awaiting departure.

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To date, more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated.

Several governments, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have arranged voluntary repatriation flights and buses. This action follows weeks of protests, looting, and attacks targeting foreigners, which have resulted in four deaths, including two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian, and a Malawian, according to police.

Heightened security fears have driven thousands of migrants to gather in makeshift encampments in Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, awaiting transport. South Africa, a traditional destination for migrant labor, faces unemployment exceeding 30 percent and a history of recurring anti-foreigner violence. Migrants are often blamed for crime and job scarcity.

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This is an ongoing process.

Analysts suggest that vigilante groups scapegoat foreign nationals instead of addressing underlying economic and governance challenges. Past incidents of violence against undocumented foreigners have been deadly, with 62 people killed in riots in 2008. Specialized security units, including K9 teams and the Air Wing, have been deployed as the repatriation process continues.

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The 'anti-foreigner sentiment' has left four people dead.