South African authorities have processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation as of 11 July 2026, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, confirmed the figures while clarifying that the state does not provide funding for voluntary departures.
Official Stance On Funding And Logistics
Minister Kubayi stated that while the government is facilitating the return of undocumented foreign nationals, it is not responsible for covering the associated costs. She emphasised that requesting countries bear the primary responsibility for the transportation and logistical management of their citizens.
The repatriation process is voluntary and requesting countries bear the primary responsibility for transportation cost and management of logistics in this regard.
Policy Implementation And Community Context
The current efforts are guided by a five-point migration management strategy introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026 to address border security and policy gaps. Following widespread anti-immigrant protests on 30 June across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, the IMC has prioritised the processing of undocumented individuals, with Malawian nationals representing the largest group handled by the department thus far. Government officials maintain that these measures are intended to establish orderly migration patterns while upholding the human rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
In implementing this plan, we are striving to achieve an orderly and regular migration which is mindful and sensitive to the concerns raised by our people while observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country.
Further updates from the IMC on the progress of the five-point plan are expected in the coming weeks as the government continues to formalise migration controls.