When a state removes tens of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals in a single year, someone pays for the buses, the holding centres and the overtime. South Africa has now made clear who it believes that someone should be: not only the South African taxpayer, but also the governments whose citizens were repatriated. The Department of Home Affairs has formally written to Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia requesting reimbursement of R292.77 million spent this year accommodating and transporting migrants back home. It is a reasonable position, grounded in fiscal reality rather than hostility.

Home affairs seeks emergency cash as cost of repatriating undocumented foreign nationals soars past budget

Home Affairs has spent R292 million on the repatriation operation and written to Malawi, Nigeria and Ethiopia seeking reimbursement for costs incurred.