South Africa’s anti-migrant crackdown has seen over 53,000 people deported or repatriated in weeks, as vigilante violence and state operations reshape the region.
Africa · Southern
Key Facts
—Deportations. Over 53,000 foreign nationals were processed for deportation or repatriation in roughly five weeks, mainly from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
—Vigilante Deadline. Anti-migrant groups set a 30 June 2026 ultimatum for undocumented foreigners to leave the country or face violent repercussions.
—Displacement. An estimated 50,000 people have already fled South Africa amid rising tension, with thousands more internally displaced.
South Africa's anti-migrant unrest led over 160,000 to flee
More than 53,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated by South Africa in a crackdown
160,000 flee South Africa over anti-migrant unrest - Report
Malawians make up 80% of 53,000 foreign nationals deported from SA
More than 160,000 foreign nationals left South Africa over the past two months as local groups increased violent hostility…
South Africa deportations — South Africa has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation by July 2026, with Malawians…
South African officials say they have deported or repatriated more than 53,000 immigrants in a month in a crackdown on illegal…
Tens of thousands of migrants are fleeing South Africa amid a xenophobic mobilisation, forcing mass repatriations across Africa.…
Over 160,000 foreign nationals have fled South Africa in two months due to escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobia. Learn…
About 25,000 people have been repatriated from South Africa in recent weeks.
