Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration chairperson Mmamoloko Kubayi has revealed that 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, with Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans making up the majority.
More than 53,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation as the state intensifies efforts to tackle irregular migration. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration announced it is actively strengthening immigration enforcement while tightening border security and migration management systems.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and IMC Chairperson Mmamoloko Kubayi announced Sunday that exactly 53,449 foreign nationals had been processed as of the close of business on 11 July 2026.
Kubayi was briefing the media on the government's progress in implementing President Cyril Ramaphosa's five-point plan on migration management, which was first announced on 7 June. The strategy focuses on cracking down on immigration law violations, securing South Africa's borders, streamlining the immigration system, closing gaps in existing policy, and cooperating with neighboring countries.
The briefing follows recent anti-illegal immigration protests across several provinces, where demonstrators demanded tighter border security and mass deportations. While Kubayi acknowledged that many South Africans hold genuine concerns regarding unemployment, service delivery failures, and public safety, she stressed that these issues must be addressed through lawful channels.
