Since stepping up its crackdown on illegal immigration, the South African government says that over 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported.
The bulk of people impacted are citizens of Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, according to Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Speaking to the media, the Minister stated that despite criticism from some quarters about the exercise, South Africa is still dedicated to upholding its immigration regulations.
“As of close of business of the 11th July 2026, a total of 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for either deportation or repatriation, which is dominated by the following; Malawians are actually at the point of 80% followed by the Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.”
“Repatriations to countries beyond SADC amount to 2,615 and include returns to Kenya with a total of 431, Nigeria 1,159, Republic of Congo 86, Uganda 939,” she said.
Ms. Kubayi maintained that South Africa has the sovereign authority to establish and implement its immigration laws, defending the government’s actions.
She underlined that other nations and people must accept South Africa’s right to control its borders and enforce its laws.
“We must not have another state telling us or another citizen of other countries telling us how we must do our laws and how we must enforce them. We are a sovereign state as the Republic. It’s a right we have fought for and it’s a right that must be respected,” she stated.
The crackdown is a component of South Africa’s larger initiatives to combat unauthorised migration and improve the country’s immigration laws.
Source: newsthemegh.com