Government Processes More Than 53,000 Foreign Nationals for Deportation and Repatriation
Read Time:2 Minute, 4 Second
The South African government says it has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation as it steps up efforts to deal with illegal immigration.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday 12 July 2026, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, said 53,449 foreign nationals had been processed as of 11 July 2026.
The update comes as government continues to roll out President Cyril Ramaphosa’s five-point plan to improve migration management. The plan focuses on stronger border security, tougher immigration enforcement, improving the immigration system, closing policy gaps and working more closely with neighbouring countries.
Kubayi said government understands that many South Africans are worried about unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, but stressed that these concerns must be addressed through legal processes.
“In implementing this plan, we are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration which is mindful and sensitive to the concerns raised by our people while observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship and immigration status,” she said.
Her comments come after anti-illegal immigration protests were held in several parts of the country, with protesters calling for tighter border controls and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.
Warning against vigilante action
Kubayi warned community members not to conduct their own searches for undocumented foreign nationals, saying this is against the law.
She said immigration enforcement is the responsibility of government and law enforcement agencies.
“This is illegal, and members of the community who are part of these activities are warned to refrain from such conduct,” she said.
Kubayi added that no individual or group has the right to intimidate people, carry out identity checks or remove anyone from a community.
Arrests and court cases
Government has also taken action against people accused of breaking the law during anti-illegal immigration protests.
So far, 205 cases have been opened, 350 people have been arrested, 69 cases are still under investigation, and 112 cases are before the courts.
Kubayi urged South Africans to report suspected criminal activity to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands. She also appealed to the public not to share unverified information on social media that could cause fear, violence or unrest.
She said government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws, strengthening border security and protecting the rights and dignity of everyone living in South Africa.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
