South Africa has requested that several other African governments reimburse the country for the costs associated with repatriating tens of thousands of immigrants. The Home Affairs department stated that the country has spent approximately $18 million on accommodating and transporting over 80,000 individuals who demanded to return to their home countries.
Written requests for compensation have been sent to Malawi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, according to officials. The expenses covered include transportation, temporary repatriation centers, and staff overtime. Tommy Makhode, director-general of the Home Affairs department, characterized these costs as "unforeseen and unavoidable," noting that municipalities and government departments involved are seeking compensation from Home Affairs due to the unbudgeted nature of the expenses.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the recent volume of repatriations and deportations as unprecedented. These departures have occurred amid heightened tensions regarding immigration in South Africa, fueled by protests from anti-illegal migration groups and incidents of violence against foreign nationals. These groups attribute high unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services to migrants.
The South African government has denied accusations from some regional countries that it has failed to protect its citizens. Recently, Ghana proposed that the situation in South Africa be added to the agenda of an African Union meeting, but this suggestion was reportedly rejected by the continental body.
According to recent government figures, 82,875 people have been voluntarily repatriated or deported since migration tensions escalated. However, figures from the migrants' home countries suggest a higher total of around 178,000. Between April and July, 16,078 individuals, primarily from Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, were deported through the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
South African law enforcement officials have stated their intention to intensify operations targeting illegal migration. They reported arresting nearly 60,000 individuals for being in the country illegally, including 16,208 arrests in July alone.