South Africa Deports 3,000 Foreign Nationals

South Africa deported 2,745 foreign nationals in a single week as the government intensified efforts to tackle illegal immigration, the Home Affairs Ministry announced on Sunday.

The crackdown follows a pledge by President Cyril Ramaphosa to strengthen enforcement against irregular migration amid growing public concern and recent anti-foreigner protests.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the number of deportations could rise further as authorities continue operations nationwide.

The government stated that most of those removed were living in the country illegally. The deportees included nationals from Malawi, with thousands reportedly residing on occupied land near the coastal city of Durban.

The announcement comes after recent incidents of looting and attacks targeting foreign nationals, prompting some citizens of Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to accept voluntary repatriation programs organized by their home governments.

South African authorities have reiterated that while illegal immigration remains a concern, violence and intimidation against migrants will not be tolerated.