South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has formally asked several African countries to reimburse costs incurred during the repatriation of undocumented migrants, with expenses totaling nearly R300 million (approximately KSh 2.4 billion or $18.5 million).
Through diplomatic channels, the department reached out to governments including Malawi, Nigeria, and Ethiopia via the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also been approached regarding similar reimbursements.
Expenditure and Repatriation Figures
- The Home Affairs Department spent R292 million, almost five times its initial budget of R60 million, on deportation operations.
- Funds primarily covered transportation costs for moving undocumented migrants to repatriation centers and border points.
- By August 6, 2026, a total of 82,875 foreign nationals had been processed through repatriation centers, excluding those handled directly by the Border Management Authority or deported before June 30.
- Malawians constituted the largest group repatriated, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
Context and Impact
The intensified repatriation campaign followed widespread anti-immigrant protests across South Africa, prompting safety concerns and voluntary repatriation initiatives by various African governments.
The government frames this enforcement as part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration controls and reduce the number of undocumented migrants residing in the country.
The Lindela Repatriation Center alone deported 16,078 foreign nationals between April 20 and July 28, 2026, compared to 44,607 during the entire previous fiscal year.
