The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stated this week that, despite rising anti-immigrant tensions and recent incidents of violence, there is no evidence of a significant increase in foreign nationals leaving South Africa, with both agencies confirming they have not observed a surge in formal requests for voluntary repatriation in 2026.
Official Responses From International And Local Authorities
The IOM confirmed it has received no formal requests for assisted voluntary returns from foreign nationals in South Africa, contradicting suggestions of a mass departure. The UNHCR echoed this, saying, “So far this year, we have not seen an increase in requests from refugees to return home.” This is despite isolated national repatriation efforts: Ghana has launched a voluntary programme resulting in approximately 300 of its citizens leaving from Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport, and the Border Management Authority (BMA) facilitated the recent departure of 933 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry.
Mozambique reported that five of its citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks between May and June 2026, prompting intervention from its government to assist those wishing to leave. While these incidents have gained significant attention, international migration authorities maintain that such movements remain limited in scale relative to the overall foreign national population in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking on migration control, said, “We are cracking down on violations of immigration laws. We are increasing our inspections of workplaces and prosecuting employers who violate our labour laws.”
Context And Community Impact Amid Ongoing Tensions
Anti-immigrant sentiment has escalated in recent months, with local and international observers expressing concern following violent attacks against foreign nationals, especially in urban centres such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. According to Professor André Thomashausen, quoted in recent coverage, “The message, however, is clear that migrants are increasingly unwelcome in South Africa, where they are finding it more and more difficult to make a living.”
Local communities, particularly in areas such as the Cape Flats, have seen tensions flare as economic pressures intensify and authorities focus on tighter border and labour law enforcement. While data from international agencies show a lack of mass flight, the heightened climate remains a serious issue for foreign nationals facing both economic hardship and safety threats.
Further migration trends will likely depend on security measures, future incidents, and government responses across South Africa’s cities and communities. International migration agencies and local observers are monitoring developments closely.