South Africa Deports Over 53,000 Foreign Nationals in Crackdown
The South African government has announced that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since launching a “migration management” campaign five weeks ago.
The majority of those deported were from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, officials confirmed.
The crackdown follows weeks of anti-immigration protests that have seen violence, intimidation, and looting.
Protesters have accused migrants of contributing to high unemployment, rising crime rates, and the collapse of public services.
The United Nations has warned against scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges.
Anti-migrant activists have threatened to stage weekly protests to pressure the government until their demands are met, with fears that the protests could turn violent.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that 53,499 foreign nationals had been processed for deportation and repatriation, mainly from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Kubayi emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and dignity during the process.
Authorities will continue to enforce immigration laws but cautioned protesters against unauthorized searches of homes and businesses suspected of harboring undocumented migrants.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration but condemned attacks against migrants, urging citizens to avoid vigilante action.
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