Over 25,000 Repatriated From South Africa Ahead of Anti-Migrant Protests

South African authorities say more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated as tensions rise ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests linked to a June 30 deadline issued by vigilante groups.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) confirmed on Monday that the repatriation exercise was ongoing following weeks of unrest targeting migrants.

“To date, more than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated,” the security body said.

Countries including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have organised flights and buses to evacuate their citizens after attacks, looting and protests left four people dead.

The latest figures represent a significant increase from last week, when authorities reported that 15,000 Malawians had already been processed.

Earlier this month, at least 988 Ghanaians and about 600 Nigerians also returned home by air.

“This is an ongoing process,” NATJOINTS stated, adding that specialised security units, including K9 teams and the Air Wing, had been deployed.

Anti-illegal immigration groups have organised marches across South Africa and demanded undocumented migrants leave the country by Tuesday.

Reports indicate that mobs have gone door-to-door in some communities demanding migrants show documentation or leave their homes.

According to NATJOINTS, growing “anti-foreigner sentiment” has resulted in four deaths.

Police identified the victims as two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian.

Thousands of migrants are now sheltering in temporary camps in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg while awaiting transportation.

South Africa continues to struggle with unemployment above 30 percent and repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence, which analysts say are often fuelled by economic frustrations and political tensions.

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