South Africa has deported or repatriated more than 53,000 foreign nationals over the past five weeks in a sweeping immigration enforcement campaign, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced Sunday, putting the precise figure of processed foreign nationals at 53,449.
The vast majority of those removed — more than 80 percent — originated from Malawi, with Zimbabwe and Mozambique the next-largest source countries. A further 2,615 nationals from outside the Southern African Development Community were also processed, including 1,159 Nigerians, 939 Ugandans, 431 Kenyans, and 86 Congolese. Nigerian citizens have reportedly been camping outside their country's high commission in Pretoria awaiting repatriation assistance.
The government said the campaign had helped identify individuals wanted by police for alleged criminal activity. The crackdown comes amid mounting pressure, as anti-migrant activists have threatened weekly protests until their demands are met.