South Africa seeks reimbursement for migrant repatriations

South Africa is pursuing reimbursement from several African governments for the substantial costs associated with repatriating tens of thousands of immigrants. The country's Home Affairs department has formally requested compensation from Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, after spending nearly $18 million to facilitate the return of over 80,000 citizens from these nations.

The expenditures covered a range of services, including transportation via buses, the establishment of temporary repatriation centers, and overtime pay for staff involved in the process. These costs were deemed "unforeseen and unavoidable" by Tommy Makhode, the director-general of the Home Affairs department. The department is also facing demands for compensation from some municipalities and government departments that assisted in the repatriations, as these expenses were not initially budgeted for.

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unforeseen and unavoidable.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the recent volume of repatriations and deportations as unprecedented, occurring amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa. Anti-illegal migration groups have been vocal, staging protests and engaging in actions that have strained relations with neighboring African countries. These groups often attribute high unemployment, crime rates, and pressure on public services to the presence of migrants.

The government has denied accusations from some regional countries that it is failing to protect its citizens. The situation has drawn international attention, with Ghana advocating for the issue to be placed on the agenda of an African Union meeting, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by the continental body. Official figures indicate that 82,875 people have been repatriated or deported since migration tensions escalated, though figures from home countries suggest a higher total of around 178,000. These departures are part of a broader government crackdown, with thousands of nationals, primarily from Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, being deported through the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

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unprecedented.