South Africa has begun operating a temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina to accelerate the processing and verification of undocumented foreign nationals amid a sustained wave of repatriations driven by recent anti‑migrant tensions.
The facility, which can accommodate up to 20,000 people, is now handling repatriation procedures and clearance through the Beitbridge border post, with support from embassies, Department of Home Affairs, law enforcement and local authorities. Inter‑Ministerial Committee Chair and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Sunday that more than 20,000 Malawian, Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals have already been repatriated through the Musina centre.
She said the closure of temporary repatriation sites in eThekwini and Umsunduzi at the end of June resulted in the transfer of remaining Malawian nationals to Musina, including those previously housed at the Refugee Reception Centre and Musina Showgrounds.
Kubayi said repatriation begins at assembly points before foreign nationals are transported to the temporary repatriation processing centre, with municipalities, embassies, non-governmental organisations and law enforcement coordinating movement.
She noted that spontaneous arrivals at various centres continue to strain local resources and pose health risks, prompting emergency measures and accelerated transport arrangements to clear pavements and public spaces occupied by those seeking repatriation.
She urged foreign missions to work with South Africa to ensure their nationals follow established procedures. The number of foreign nationals seeking repatriation has declined from 4,805 on 5 July to 1,139 on 11 July, prompting discussions on scaling down operations.
Kubayi said the temporary measures were costly and never intended to be permanent, but stressed that the state remains legally obligated to deport individuals who violate immigration laws. Between 1 April and 30 June, 15,398 foreign nationals were deported, supported by 2,519 joint law‑enforcement operations.
Immigration‑dedicated courts in KwaZulu‑Natal have finalised 2,640 cases for deportation and work is under way to re‑establish a court at the Lindela Repatriation Centre to speed up processing. Additional court facilities are being prepared at OR Tambo International Airport, with setup expected to take three months.
JN/abj/APA