BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini has joined a growing number of African countries repatriating their citizens from South Africa as anti-immigrant tensions escalate and a June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups approaches.
The move comes amid mounting pressure on undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa following intensified immigration enforcement by the government and rising hostility towards migrants in several parts of the country.
According to the Business Insider, Eswatini is among several neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Ghana and Nigeria, that have begun assisting their nationals to return home through embassy-led repatriation programmes and enforcement-related returns.
Tougher Migration Measures
The repatriation drive follows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of tougher immigration measures aimed at curbing illegal migration, strengthening border security and addressing what the government says is the growing link between undocumented migration, organised crime and unemployment.
Ramaphosa revealed that the Border Management Authority intercepted more than 450,000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally over the past year. He also accused some employers of exploiting undocumented migrants by paying them below the minimum wage while treating penalties for violating labour laws as merely a cost of doing business.
The South African government has also confirmed that it is considering charging foreign governments for the costs associated with deporting their nationals. The proposal, which is still under discussion, would see the Department of Home Affairs recover deportation expenses from countries whose citizens are returned.
Governments Capacity To Receive Their Nationals
Speaking to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said governments have the capacity to receive their nationals and that cost recovery remains one of several options under consideration as Pretoria strengthens cooperation with affected countries.
Meanwhile, tensions have continued to rise in parts of South Africa. Hundreds of African migrants have reportedly fled communities in the Western Cape following intimidation and violent attacks, including the killing of two Mozambican nationals in Mossel Bay. Many sought refuge in community halls, beaches and surrounding mountains, while others opted to return to their home countries.
Nigeria has already repatriated at least 268 of its citizens through a voluntary return programme coordinated between Pretoria and Abuja, with officials expecting at least 1,000 Nigerians to return as additional flights are arranged.
Growing Diplomatic Tensions
Diplomatic tensions have also surfaced between South Africa and Ghana after Ghanaian officials raised concerns over the treatment of their nationals. However, South Africa has dismissed some of the allegations, saying they have not been supported by evidence despite repeated requests through diplomatic channels.
The tightening of immigration controls comes against the backdrop of rising anti-foreigner protests and concerns over South Africa’s unemployment rate, which stands at approximately 32 percent. Authorities have outlined a five-point strategy focusing on stricter enforcement of immigration laws, stronger border management, combating corruption within the immigration system, closing legal loopholes and enhancing cooperation with African governments.
For Eswatini, the repatriation exercise is expected to ensure that citizens who may be affected by the ongoing crackdown or fear for their safety are assisted to return home as uncertainty continues to surround the situation in South Africa.
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