JOHANNESBURG: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in parts of South Africa to rally against illegal immigration on Tuesday, which some protest groups set as a deadline for the departure of all illegal migrants from the country.South African groups planning to demonstrate blame illegal immigrants for causing unemployment among South Africans by accepting low wages, as well as high levels of crime and other problems.The Tuesday deadline set by the groups for migrants to leave was not recognized by South Africa’s government, which has maintained that only authorities can enforce immigration laws.

With increasing attacks on African immigrants, even those living legally in the country are scared ahead of an unofficial deadline for illegal foreigners to leave the country.

The June 30 protests in South Africa spotlight the challenges of immigration policy and governance, as various stakeholders voice concerns over the treatment of migrant…