Home Affairs reveals R552 million spent on detaining and deporting illegal foreigners

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has revealed the costs of detaining and deporting illegal immigrants in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs has spent a total of R552 million on the detention and deportation of illegal foreigners over the past three years.

Responding to parliamentary questions from Freedom Front MP Philip Staden, Minister Leon Schreiber said the cost for the detention of illegal foreigners over the last three financial years stood at R309.4m.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has revealed the costs of detaining and deporting illegal immigrants in South Africa.

The department spent R85.8m in the 2023/2024 financial year, the following year R103m and R119.8m in the 2025/2026 financial year.