Anti-Immigrant Protests Continue in South Africa Amid Migrant Evacuations

Anti-immigrant protests continue in South Africa, with groups demanding undocumented migrants leave by 30 June. The unrest has led to fear, displacement and evacuations, as countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi repatriate citizens. Authorities warn against vigilante attacks, while rights groups blame rising tensions on unemployment and political pressures ahead of local elections.

Anti-immigrant groups in South Africa have continued holding marches demanding stronger government action against undocumented migrants and tighter border controls. The protests are being led by groups such as March & March, which has set a 30 June deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, though it remains unclear what enforcement measures, if any, will follow.
The unrest has triggered renewed evacuations, with planeloads and busloads of migrants leaving South Africa as African countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi move to repatriate citizens amid rising fears of violence. Human rights advocates say migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have faced increasing intimidation, including threats and forced displacement, leaving many afraid to work or run businesses.
South Africa hosts about 2.4 million immigrants, roughly 4% of its population, and has long been a major destination for regional migration due to its stronger economy. However, high unemployment, strained public services and political tensions have intensified resentment toward foreign nationals, with undocumented migration increasingly becoming a heated public issue.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against vigilantism, stressing that only law enforcement authorities are legally permitted to act against immigration violations. He has acknowledged public concerns about pressure on healthcare, housing and municipal services, while also condemning violence and intimidation against foreigners.
Analysts say migration patterns in South Africa have deep historical roots dating back to the colonial and apartheid eras, when labour migration from neighbouring countries supported mining and agricultural industries. After 1994, these patterns continued, but worsening economic conditions in neighbouring states contributed to increased inflows of migrants seeking better opportunities.
Experts argue that current anti-immigrant sentiment is being driven by a combination of economic hardship, unemployment and political competition ahead of upcoming local elections. Some smaller political groups have been accused of using migration issues to gain support by linking foreigners to public service failures.
Human rights organisations and activists warn that migrants are increasingly being scapegoated for broader socioeconomic challenges. They report rising cases of harassment, misinformation campaigns and targeted intimidation, including the sharing of personal details of refugee leaders online.
While the South African government has rejected claims that the situation amounts to xenophobia, saying migration must be addressed within a wider regional context, rights groups insist that stronger protection measures are urgently needed to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of migrants and asylum seekers.