The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has confirmed that the vast majority of undocumented foreign nationals currently in South Africa do not qualify for asylum or refugee protection. Official data released by the committee indicates that 53,449 individuals have been processed for deportation and repatriation as of 11 July 2026.
Official Enforcement And Processing Updates
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the majority of foreign nationals identified as undocumented fail to meet the legal criteria for refugee or asylum status in South Africa. Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria on 12 July 2026, the government maintained its stance that managing borders and immigration remains an exclusive function of the State.
Majorities of the countries that we are finding their nationals or citizens in the country illegally do not even qualify to apply for either refugee or asylum status in this country.
To facilitate these operations, a Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina became operational on 1 July 2026. The facility holds the capacity to house approximately 20,000 individuals as part of an intensified state effort to manage irregular migration following a period of heightened tensions and public protests that reached a peak on 30 June 2026.
Government Policy And Community Impact
Justice Minister and IMC Chairperson, Mmamoloko Kubayi, emphasised that the government has ruled out the establishment of refugee camps. Officials have instead advised those present in the country legally to integrate into communities while warning against any form of vigilantism or unauthorised searches by private citizens.
Government reiterates that the management of immigration, border management, deportation and facilitated repatriation is the exclusive responsibility of the State.
The government’s current strategy, known as the ‘Five-Point Plan’, prioritises border security and formal engagement with countries of origin. Authorities expect the volume of repatriation processing to continue as compliance audits are conducted across various provinces.