Hundreds of Malawian nationals gathered outside their country’s embassy in Johannesburg on, seeking assistance to return home as South Africa intensified its crackdown on undocumented migrants amid rising anti-immigrant tensions.
One of those waiting, Bashil Austin, appealed to the Malawian government to help citizens who no longer feel safe in South Africa and wish to return home.
South African authorities said on Sunday that more than 53,000 African migrants had been deported or voluntarily repatriated within one month as part of an immigration enforcement campaign.
Justice Minister said more than 80 per cent of those repatriated were Malawian nationals, although officials did not specify how many were formally deported and how many returned voluntarily.
READ ALSO: South Africa Repatriates 2,745 Foreigners
The repatriation exercise coincided with a wave of protests against illegal migration, some of which turned violent and heightened fears among foreign nationals living in the country.
Several African governments have since arranged transportation for their citizens to return home, following growing reports of xenophobic attacks and insecurity.
South African police are investigating the deaths of three migrants—two Mozambicans and one Malawian—during the unrest.
Nigeria has also alleged that two of its citizens were killed in the violence, a claim South African authorities have denied, saying the deaths were unrelated to the protests.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced plans to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws, while acknowledging growing public concerns over illegal migration. He, however, rejected claims by anti-migrant groups that immigrants are responsible for South Africa’s high unemployment and crime rates, saying there is no evidence to support such assertions.
The crackdown has strained diplomatic relations with several African countries, which have criticised what they describe as increasing xenophobia in South Africa.
Anti-migrant groups had earlier declared June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, although the South African government dismissed the ultimatum.
The announcement nevertheless prompted thousands of Malawians to gather at a temporary immigration centre in Durban, where many sought voluntary repatriation while others were deported for lacking valid immigration documents.
South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across Africa due to its relatively stronger economy, despite recurring tensions over immigration.
Africanews
