Kubayi confirms 53 000 deportation, repatriation cases

The number of foreign nationals that have been processed for deportation and repatriation to their countries of origin in the past few weeks has increased to over 53 000.

This was confirmed by Justice and Constitutional Development minister and chair of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Migration Mmamoloko Kubayi at a press briefing in Pretoria. Kubayi gave feedback and a progress report on the work the IMC is doing in implementing the five-point plan on managing migration as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month. It includes securing and strengthening the country’s borders and the immigration system, cracking down on violations of South Africa’s immigration laws and working closely with its continental counterparts in managing migration.

“To date a total of 53 449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation which is dominated by the Malawians followed by the Zimbabweans and Mozambicans. Repatriations beyond SADC amount to 2615 and include returns to Kenya with a total of 431, Nigeria 1159, Republic of Congo 86 and Uganda 939.”

WATCH | Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says three foreign nationals have been identified as awaiting trial suspects and have been returned to custody as repatriation and deportation processes continue in the country. pic.twitter.com/MWSUWYC57v

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 12, 2026