South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that the ongoing repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals is strictly voluntary and conducted in partnership with affected governments and international refugee agencies.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Ramaphosa addressed mounting concerns over undocumented immigration and rising xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
He stressed that only government officials are authorized to verify nationality, warning against public profiling of foreign nationals.
“Nobody has the right to approach anyone and ask who they are, where they come from. That is the sole role of the government,” he said.
Ramaphosa revealed that repatriation camps, including one in Musina near the Zimbabwean border, have processed more than 45,000 migrants since July 2.
Over 50,000 have left South Africa through border posts amid unrest that has led to deaths, looting, and strained diplomatic ties with countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Nigeria has continued evacuating its citizens, with a fourth batch of 287 Nigerians departing Johannesburg on Thursday.
More than 1,700 have been repatriated since the crisis began, according to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ramaphosa assured South Africans that his administration is tightening border security, enforcing labor laws, and sanctioning employers who hire undocumented workers.
He reiterated that human rights must be respected for both South Africans and foreign nationals.
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