– Thousands of foreign nationals are reported to have left South Africa in recent days following increased anti-illegal immigration operations and growing pressure from community-led protests across several parts of the country.
The reported departures come after intensified law enforcement operations targeting undocumented immigrants, alongside demonstrations by community groups calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
According to figures released by authorities in neighbouring countries, more than 1,000 Malawian nationals have already been repatriated, with additional buses expected to transport more returnees. Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also reported that some of their citizens are returning home, although comprehensive regional figures are still being compiled.
The South African government has maintained that its operations are aimed at enforcing immigration laws and are not directed at any particular nationality. Officials have also urged communities to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities within the framework of the law.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations have called for the protection of vulnerable people during the ongoing operations, stressing that everyone, regardless of immigration status, should be treated with dignity and respect.
While reports indicate that thousands of foreign nationals have left South Africa since the intensified operations began, there is no official consolidated figure confirming exactly how many people have departed. Numbers continue to change as repatriation efforts and voluntary returns continue.
Authorities in South Africa and neighbouring countries are expected to provide further updates as more verified information becomes available.
